snowpack obs from Donner Summit

Location Name: 
Near Lake Mary
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/03/2015 - 15:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 45.774" N, 120° 19' 49.4724" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We traveled in the Lake Mary area near Sugar Bowl Today, as part of our observation tour of an ASI  Avalanche Level 1 course. We saw highly variable surface conditions. From extensive scouring on multiple aspects to unconsolidated snow in more sheltered areas. We did find faceted grains underneath the rain crust, although this layer is not particularly sensitive as of now.  We will continue to watch this layer as the days go by, and more snow stacks up on top. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Intense solar radiation and above freezing air temps contributed to softening of the surface snow on sunny aspects. Shaded aspects are still staying cold as of this afternoon.