Warm Temps and Soft Snow on Castle Peak

Location Name: 
Andesite Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 02/16/2015 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 3.6432" N, 120° 21' 59.5944" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Professional Observer
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Very warm conditions existed in the Castle Peak area today with light East winds adding some cooling above 8000'.  Most south aspects and exposed ridges lack snow coverage for ski travel, the road does still have snow coverage up to Castle Pass from the gated trailhead.  East aspects are providing good spring ski conditions with 2-3'' of soft warm snow above an established melt freeze crust.  Snow surface conditions on NW-NE aspects are mostly firm frozen crusts with little to no warming or softening throughout the day.  In the heavily treed areas of Andesite Ridge snow coverage is becoming thin below 7500' in areas.  No evidence of any wet loose instabilities throughout the day.

Photo1:  2-3'' of soft warm snow existed on top of a firm melt freeze crust on solar aspects by mid day providing good spring ski conditions.

Photo2-3:  Snow coverage on south side of Castle Peak. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East