Observations from Wildflower Ridge

Location Name: 
Wildflower Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 01/12/2017 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 18' 28.602" N, 120° 19' 9.264" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Large cornices existed along Wildflower Ridge, but smaller than what has been observed in recent days in other areas. New snow amounts of 12 cm (~5 in) in this areas as of mid day. Snow deposited under light wind conditions with little to no wind slab formation observed in this area. No signs of recent avalanche activity along the ridge. Signs of small cornices collapses in several areas along the ridge. Intentionally collapsing smaller cornice sections onto the slope below produced small loose dry avalanches involving only the new snow from today. New snow seemed decently well bonded to the old snow surface from yesterday.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour