Variable Conditions on Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 12/17/2017 - 12:07
Location Map: 
United States
39° 20' 53.6532" N, 120° 21' 50.3244" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Observation made by: Educator at Tahoe Mountain School
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Encountered variable surface conditons ranging from near surface facets in wind protected areas, melt freeze crusts, and sustrugi above tree line. Near surface facets existed under melt freeze crusts near and below treeline. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Near and above tree line occasional light blowing snow however for the most part, where winds were strongest above tree line and on ridges there was no snow available for transport. Strong NE ridgetop winds.