Andesite Ridge Observations

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 0.2844" N, 120° 21' 52.1316" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Up to 8'' of new dense heavy snow in wind loaded areas near the crest.  Shooting cracks and cracking were common in wind loaded locations.  Protected areas had around 4-5'' of new snow by mid morning.  Ski cuts and ski kicks on steep wind loaded terrain resulted only in sluffing of the upper couple inches of storm snow.

Video #1:  ECTP-12 Q2(RP) down 8'' within new storm snow just above the old snow/new snow interface.  7900', East aspect 68 degrees, 38 degree test slope.  HS=270cm. 

Video #2:  7800' on Andesite Ridge @ 10am.

Snowpit videos (tests, etc): 

AndesiteRidge2012-3-13 002.avi

AndesiteRidge2012-3-13 001.avi

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

SW winds mostly in the moderate range until getting up to the ridge where speeds were up to strong.  Continuous snow throughout the morning up to 1'' per hour.