Marginal Refreeze on Donner Summit

Location Name: 
Mt. Lincoln
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/26/2013 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 17' 6.2268" N, 120° 19' 34.896" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

A marginal refreeze in the Donner Summit area from cooler temperatures and moderate SW winds.  South aspects had a 1-2'' surface crust that was not ski supportive above 3-5'' of wet snow making for difficult breakable crust ski conditions.  N-E aspects that had previous wind scoured conditions had softened and were skiable with supportable and some punchy ski conditions.       

 

Photo#1:  Cloud ceiling around 7900' at noon on south side of Mt. Lincoln.

Photo#2:  Punchy snow with a marginal surface refreeze.  8000', south side of Mt. Lincoln.

Photo#3:  Small roller ball activity on the East side of Mt. Lincoln Ridge, 7800'.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Mixed rain and snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Isolated light mist in the morning with some very light snow in the mid day.  SW winds increasing into the afternoon.  No new snow in this area overnight.

12:15pm, 7500', East aspect, Roller Pass Meadow, Air Temp 0c, Surface Temp -.5c, moderate SW winds, Boot Pen 20cm, HS=275cm.