Wind transport and variable snow surfaces on Donner Peak

Location Name: 
Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/09/2013 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 37.0152" N, 120° 19' 8.6016" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Small wind slabs had started to form on N-NE-E aspects in exposed near and above treeline terrain. The largest of these wind slabs only measured 6 inches in depth and extended about 10 ft downslope from a ridgeline. Some small skier triggered cracking did occur in some of these small wind slabs.  Variable conditions ranging from wind scoured surfaces to patches of soft snow existed on windward aspects. In lower elevation areas the winds remained less strong little wind transport occurred. Soft unconsolidated snow remained on the northerly aspects in these areas. Handpits, ski cuts and general observations in these areas indicated a stable snowpack in non-wind loaded areas.

Photo 1: Wind scoured texturexs on a NW aspect

Photo 2: Ski pentration on a NW aspect showing how much snow remains for wind transport.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: