Snowpit from Donner Summit

Location Name: 
Near Hwy 40/Rainbow bridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/27/2012 - 14:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 19' 16.1472" N, 120° 19' 20.6184" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

At around 2pm Thursday I dug a pit just North of Hwy 40 near Rainbow bridge.

Total heigth of snowpack was 260 cm, to the ground.

It was on a 35 degree ENE facing slope.

The temp on the snow surface was -7.4C and at 20 cm down it was -5.1C.

Top 40 cm Fist density. From 40-120 cm below snow surface 4Finger, 120-180 cm deep 2Finger, 180-ground Pencil hardness.

Multiple CT tests results CT2-6,Q2, at approx 40cm. CT12-18, Q3?, at approx 120cm.

Rutschblock test scores RB5 at approx 40cm and I think RB6 at approx 120cm.

The thick ice crust and older facet layers of concern where surprisingly not easy to find in this location.

Ski cuts on small slopes of different aspects produced no results.

Small, recent, natural avalanches visible near Kahn lines/poop chute.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southeast
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: