Scoured surfaces, breakable crusts, frozen crusts and facets on Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/06/2012 - 16:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 5.0652" N, 120° 21' 59.5476" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

In this area a wide range of snow surfaces existed. On the N-NE-E aspects sheltered from the easterly winds a mix of breakable crusts and snow leftover from the recent storm remains (photo 1). On those same aspects exposed to the winds, a firm icy wind scoured surface existed. Hand pits showed a layer of facets on the N-NE aspects under the crust and a thicker stronger crust on the easterly aspects. On SE-S aspects frozen melt-freeze conditions persisted. These slopes only showed minor signs of softening this afternoon (photo 2). In all areas handpits showed mostly stable snow in the the lower portions of the snowpack.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: