Wet basal facets & shallow snow on Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 11/20/2015 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 1.134" N, 120° 21' 48.1788" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Shallow snow cover on a below treeline avalanche path with a history of natural avalanche activity under persistent slab conditions in recent years, NE aspect, 7,920' (photo). Snowcover in this area was very shallow. Old basal facets have become wet and are not currently showing indications of acting as a weak layer in this area. Anchoring is very good through the existing snowpack.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast