The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

NW Castle Peak Observations

Location Name: NW Castle Peak Region: Donner Summit Area Observation Date & Time: Wednesday, November 28, 2018 - 12:00
Location: 39.367270, -120.353590 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Trigger Points

Observation made by: Forecaster

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

3 to 6'' of new snow overnight and into today at this location. This new snow sits on top of a mostly supportable crust from before the storm. The snowpack structure is in good shape to handle the additional loading from the apporaching storms. Snowpack tests showed no layers of concern-see attached snowpit. Snow coverage is around 1' at the trailhead and increases with elevation up to 2 to 2.5' above 8000'.

Light wind loading occurring off of summit ridge with cornice development.

Wind loaded pillows showed minor cracking.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

7000 - 8000 ft.

8000 - 9000 ft.

Blowing Snow:

Light

Wind Direction:

Southwest

Wind Speed:

Moderate

Sky Cover:

Overcast - Cloudy - 8/8 covered

Highest Precipitation Rate:

Light Snowfall (S1 (S-1 = 1 cm /~.5 in per hour)

Precipitation:

Snow

Air temperature:

Below Freezing

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NW Castle Peak Observations

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