Surface Hoar on Donner Summit

Widespread surface hoar throughout the area from Donner Pass up to our high point on the North side of Mt. Judah.  Surface hoar ranged from 3 to 10mm in size and was on most aspects and elevations into the afternoon except for some wind exposed areas on the top of Mt. Judah and along Wildflower Ridge.  Wind textured snow looked to be caused from previous NW-NE winds and was mostly limited to areas above 8000'.  With the forecasted approaching storm on Friday night with light snow, cold temps, and moderate winds-it looks like the surface hoar has a good chance of becoming buried.  Informal observations along with CT and ECT snowpack tests in wind loaded areas, showed no obvious signs of wind slab instability.

Cold temperatures, light winds, and good travel conditions today.