Icy Slopes on Castle Peak

Location Name: 
South Side of Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 12/12/2016 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 37.2348" N, 120° 20' 40.1064" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

We attempted to get to the north side of Castle Peak to see if the persistent weak layer remained active in that area. We had to turn back due to firm icy conditions that did not soften during the day. The rain storm left a 6-10 inch rain crust on all aspects up to at least 8800 ft. in this area. Looking south from here sunlight glinting off the north facing slopes on Donner Peak, Anderson, and Tinkers Knob indicated that the rain crust continued up to around 9000 ft. or more on the Sierra Crest. On an E aspect near, a mix of consolidated moist and dry snow existed under the rain crust. Getting force through the rain crust would prove very difficult wherever it exists. The crust remained firm and slippery. Self-arresting after a fall on this crust would be challenging and actually stopping a fall would be difficult.

Photo 1: Icy slopes on a SW aspect at 8000 ft. 

Photo 2: Debris left from water coming up out of the snowpack and flowing across the surface.

Photo 3: A piece of the crust sawed out of the snowpack at around 8600 ft on an E aspect.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest