Whumpfing and cracking below Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Meadow
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/08/2014 - 13:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 20' 57.192" N, 120° 21' 29.736" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Pit dug in open meadow below Andesite Ridge off of Castle Peak Road.  Widespread whumpfing and cracking.  The snowpack on Donner Summit has roughly doubled in the last 24 hours.  ECT results were not consistent but other stability test results on the 2/6 RC indicated that this was the main layer of concern at this below treeline location.

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: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Snow level right around 7000' throughout the mid day and slightly dropping into the afternoon.