Observations from Andesite Peak

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/06/2016 - 10:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 2.07" N, 120° 21' 58.8996" 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: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

2 separate snowpits were looked at along the Andesite Ridge at 7850-7900', north aspect, in just below treeline terrain.  This was the same area where active storm slabs occurred yesterday.  Both pit locations today were similar and had consistent ECTN's at the new snow/old snow interface with no propagation occurring.  This interface was made up of rounding NSF's that were .5mm in size and showed some cohesion and could be made into a snowball.  Ski cuts and jumping on steeper rollovers did not produce any cracking. 

Near the peak in above treeline terrain there were many signs of wind scouring above 8000' from changing wind directions.  Wind slabs were 2-3' deep in the most wind loaded areas.  Dropping cornice chunks produced large shooting cracks but did not cause any avalanches.

Photo#1:  On peak at 8200' NE aspect, large shooting cracks from dropping cornice chucks.
 

Snowpack photos: 
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: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
South
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light snow showers throughout the morning hours, S-1, increasing slightly into the mid day.  Winds were south and in the moderate to strong range above 8000' moving snow.