High Density Snow on Andesite Peak

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 02/10/2017 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 1.3608" N, 120° 21' 59.1336" 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: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Up to 12-18'' of new high density storm snow at 8000'.  Previous wind loading in this area with very large built out cornices along ridgelines and off of peak.  Wind slabs were up to 2' deep but had limited reaction to ski cuts, cornice kicks, and snowpack tests.  Localized cracking and 1-3' shooting cracks did occur in wind loaded terrain.  Below 7800', storm snow was heavy and dense.  Below this new storm snow existed wet to moist snow that has not froze yet.  On and off light snow showers throughout the morning decreasing into the mid day/early afternoon hours.

Snowpack photos: 
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: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour