Surface Hoar Observations near Donner Ridge

4 to 6mm surface hoar was found in wind protected below treeline areas.  In open near treeline terrain and open meadow areas, surface hoar was mostly destroyed and knocked down by the increasing SW winds through the late morning hours.  Cloud cover and wind speeds continued to increase into the early afternoon.  Blowing snow was visible off the higher ridges in this area and also at lower elevation open terrain.