Observations from Mt. Judah and Wildflower Ridge

Location Name: 
Mt. Judah & Wildflower Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/24/2015 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 27.3312" N, 120° 19' 5.016" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Unstable wind slabs up to 45 cm thick (1.5 feet) that existed in this area yesterday no longer showed any evidence of instability today. Numerous size D1 avalanches (not large enough to bury or injure a person) triggered by natural cornice collapse occurred yesterday on Wildflower Ridge and on the E Face of Mt. Judah. Today, intentional human triggered cornice collapses up to refrigerator size did not produce slab failure on slopes adjacent to those at failed yesterday. Ski cuts and snowpit tests did not reveal any evidence of ongoing instability of this avalanche problem. Skier triggered roller balls and pin wheels were widespread on NW-N-NE-E aspects in this area, but did not exceed 20 cm (8 inches in diameter). The 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 inches) of storm snow in the area was very moist and supportable with ski penetration limited to the top 5 cm (2 inches).

Photo 1: One of several size D1 wind slab avalanches on Wildflower Ridge triggered by natural cornice collapse, NE aspect, ~7,700'. All large debris chunks are cornice pieces, not slab debris.

Photo 2: Skier triggered roller balls on Mt Judah, N aspect, ~8,150'.

Video: Overview of storm snow and old/new interface on Wildflower Ridge.

Snowpack photos: 
Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

20150324 Storm snow on Wildflower Ridge, CA

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
More detailed information about the weather: 

Fog and light snow showers at times. Above freezing air temperatures and no additional new snow accumulation.