The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

Donner Summit Test Pit

Location Name: Ridge above Lake Mary Region: Donner Summit Area Observation Date & Time: Wednesday, March 7, 2018 - 10:45
Location: 39.312121, -120.323403 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Persistent Problem Rapid or Prolonged Warming

Observation made by: Guide at Tahoe Mountain School

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Snowpit located in cold snow on north facing terrain feature. At this elevation surface snow was becoming moist on all slopes except steep N and NE aspects and had developed a sun crust previously below 7400' on most slopes. Where we skinned through the crust there was cold dry snow below. Bring your skin wax!

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Snowpack Details

Total Snow Depth:

140cm

Persistent Weak Layers:

Buried

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Near Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

7000 - 8000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

Light

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Light

Sky Cover:

Scattered - Partly Cloudy - 3/8 to 4/8 covered

Precipitation:

None

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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Donner Summit Test Pit

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