Observation from Andesite Ridge

Location Name: 
Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/16/2017 - 12:50
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 14.6808" N, 120° 21' 58.2048" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Guide at Tahoe Mountain School
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Visible snow transport from moderate east wind on Andesite ridge (photo). Snow transport was also observered across Castle Valley on the SE ridge of Castle Peak. Wind crust ranging from 4 to 10 cm found on west side of the ridge. Variable snow on the east side the ridge ranging from firm wind pack near the top, pockets of breakable suncrust,  as well as cold less consolidated storm snow in sheltered areas.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
More detailed information about the weather: 

 Moderate Winds on ridge tops. However light winds 600 ft lower in Castle Valley with snow covered trees and no evidence of blowing snow. Air temperature was 0 degrees at 12:00 in the valley. Later in the day air temps climbed above freezing.