Firm, frozen conditions in Negro Canyon

Location Name: 
Negro Canyon
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 1.2996" N, 120° 17' 15.6336" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

A thick, supportable, frozen melt-freeze crust existed on all aspects between all aspects between 6400' and 7700' in this area. This crust remained hard and frozen at midday even on the direct south aspects due to an unexpected layer of clouds that obscured the sun. Test pits in this area showed no signs of instability.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

An unexpected widespread layer of mid to high level clouds developed over the area this morning. These clouds prevented the sun from softening the snow surface on any aspect before noon. The clouds started to clear out around 1pm.