Negro Canyon Observations

Location Name: 
Negro Canyon
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/19/2011 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 20' 44.6352" N, 120° 18' 28.3536" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Another day of deep and thick trailbreaking conditions, around 4-6' of storm snow at this location with more in the wind loaded terrain.  There was a noticeable density change in the upper snowpack down about 1-1.5' from surface that was reactive to hand pits  and could be felt with a ski pole test throughout the day.  Did not see any other signs of instabilty with this layer.  Several slopes were ski cut, cornices droped-none of which showed any signs of propagation of a slab.  East aspects had developed a slight surface crust on them by midday.  Some signs of past cornice failures on slopes covered up by new storm snow.  Cornices are built out and fragile.  

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Isolated snow showers into the midday, total accumulation was around 1-2''.  Periods of sun throughout the day and into the afternoon.  Winds were SW moderate decreasing somewhat into the mid afternoon.