Observations from Andesite Pk and S aspect of Castle Pk.

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak and S aspect of Castle Pk
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 12/14/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 45.9468" N, 120° 21' 37.7352" W
See map: Google Maps
US



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

Found an isolated hard wind slab over lower density rounding facets on WNW aspect near treeline, a little S of the summit of Andesite Peak. Snowpit test differed greatly from nearby pit dug the day prior. Snowpit tests pointed to stubborn triggering but unstable results. Isolated distribution + stubborn sensitivity = unlikely to trigger an avalanche on a regional scale. Hard slab did not cover the entire slope and was easy to avoid.

Somewhat variable conditions below treeline, but cold pockets of unconsolidated snow linger in open areas that are wind protected and receive very indirect sun.

Corn type surface wet snow conditions observed on S aspects of Castle Pk at mid day at the noted lat/long of this observation. Compared to 24 hour prior, air temps were colder with less wet surface snow present.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East