Wind slabs on Andesite Peak.

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/21/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 0.7632" N, 120° 22' 0.0588" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Strong NE winds moving snow in near and above treeline areas. Wind scouring of NE-E aspects and deposition on W-NW aspects. Wind slabs remained in some areas at treeline on NE-E aspects from 12/20 snowfall and SW winds. NE-E aspects above treeline are now heavily wind scoured. New wind slab formation was observed on W-NW aspects at treeline. All wind slabs were difficult to trigger (stubborn) revealing little to no skier triggered cracking. Significant wind effects of surface snow below treeline on all aspects with some areas of scouring.

A test pit dug adjacent to the snowpit from Dec 14 (more info here) revealed new wind slab on top of old wind slab on top of old near surface facets. Snowpit tests yielded ECTN results in this location.

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