Thick Crust on Andesite

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 12/24/2014 - 12:55
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 0.396" N, 120° 21' 55.656" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Firm frozen crusts existed on all aspects on Andesite Ridge today. In most places the crust was supportable, but in some areas it was breakable. Snowpit tests hinted that a layer of weak snow may be developing below the crust, but wind and new snow made it difficult to identify the snow grains at the base of the crust. Progressing deeper into the pack below the crust, data indicated continued consolidation. A thin layer of graupel accumulated on the surface as the snow started to fall.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
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: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Intermittent snow showers started around 11:30 am with more continuous snow starting around 12:30 pm. By 2 pm about 1/2 to 1 inches of new snow had accumulated. Snow level at 2:30 was around 6300 ft.