Increasing Winds and Clouds on Donner Summit

Clouds began to build toward the East this morning by 9am with SW winds already in the gale force range above 8000'.  Firm to very firm snow surface conditions existed with a good overnight refreeze on the approach to Mt. Judah from the Old 40/Donner Pass Trailhead.  Ski crampons were very helpful on the approach to avoid slipping on the firm snow.  E aspects on Mt Judah were receiving full sun this morning with few clouds to impede softening which provided good corn snow mid to late morning on areas out of the wind below ridgeline.  All other aspects encountered during my time out remained firm.  Cloud cover increased towards the E and also over the Sierra Crest midday with cloud cover starting to limit solar radiation in some areas.