Formal and informal observations on Andesite Pk

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/06/2017 - 10:06
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 0.7992" N, 120° 21' 56.736" 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: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

"Full" conditions today on Andesite Peak with heavy, (S4) wet snowfall and strong SW winds increasing throughout the day.  Air temperatures hovering around 0 C all day, but no observed rain.  About 30 cm new snow by 0830 with significant wind transport.  Felt like a bit of an inversion with slightly colder/drier snow near the Castle Valley floor than up on the flanks of Andesite.  Warming temperatures overnight formed obvious upside-down snow structure with at least 4 weak shear planes.  Snow cracked and fractured easily down low but became more stable as we climbed, even though the effect of wind increased.  Dozens of compression and shovel tilt tests easily revealed the new snow weaknesses but no avalanches were observed anywhere, though visibility was limited.  Ski cuts on steep, short, unsupported slopes produced no slides.  We could fracture no wind slabs.  RB4 WB 35  cm from surface.  The skiing was oddly fast, with a distinct lubricated feel.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour