Ongoing signs of instability on Andesite Peak.

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/26/2016 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 3.1572" N, 120° 22' 3.2592" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Snowpit on W aspect of Andesite Pk revealed a problematic layer of near crust facets on top of the Dec 15 rain crust. This layer was significantly thinner than near the Dec 24 avalanches on ENE and NE aspects of the peak. Despite the thinner weak layer, snowpit tests indicated signs of instability and likely propagation following weak layer failure.

Calm wind with cold snow, not yet affected by warming at elevations on all aspects was observed during the morning hours. Significant amounts of unconsolidated snow (10 to 30 cm) exists on all aspects and is available for wind transport in the future.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Air temperature trend: 
Warming