Wind Slab Development on Donner Summit

Location Name: 
Donner Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 01/13/2017 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 38.5236" N, 120° 19' 4.0116" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
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: 

6-8'' of unconsolidated new storm snow existed on top of a ski supportable old snow base.  Strong East winds were moving moderate amounts of snow on to SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects and creating wind slabs today.  These wind slabs ranged in size from 6'' to 18'' with 1 spot up to 2' deep.  These wind slabs failed on several test slopes-see photos.  Most of these wind slabs were located near ridgelines and did not extend too far downslope.  There is still plenty of snow available for transport as winds continue throughout the day.  Below 7500', deep water holes existed near creek areas that could pose potential hazards for bc users. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: