Donner Summit Observations

Location Name: 
Sierra Crest
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/22/2012 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 48.5232" N, 120° 21' 1.1052" 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: 

Localized cracking and small shooting cracks on the upper ridges up to 8000' in the most wind loaded areas.  Hand pits and CT's were both showing results on a density change within the storm snow about 8-10'' down from the surface.  Total snow depth in this area was about 2+' in wind loaded areas and 1.5'  in protected areas up to 8000'.  Snow coverage is still marginal, especially below 7800'.  There are still many areas of good anchoring of the snowpack from rocks, bushes, etc.  Up to 8000' the rain event of 1/20-1/21 penetrated through the 12/28-12/29 rain crust and the facets below all the way to the ground.  The newly formed rain crust is firming up with the facets below to the ground still moist, no facets were observed near this new rain crust. 

No avalanche activity observed today.    

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% 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: 

Moderate to strong SW winds in the morning tapering off to moderate SW by early afternoon.  Light snow flurries in the morning slowing down by midday and picking up by 2pm along with increasing winds.