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.

Sun Effect on South Face of Castle

Location Name: Castle Peak Region: Donner Summit Area Observation Date & Time: Sunday, March 17, 2019 - 15:00
Location: 39.366436, -120.351076 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Rapid or Prolonged Warming Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Strong Sunshine Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Warm Temperatures Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees

Observation made by: Public

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Ascending the South side of Castle peak, we observed signs of rapid warming-- wet surface snow across large areas, and roller balls. There were many large cornices, none of which had recent breaks. We skied a North facing chute in the North bowl area and encountered variable snow-- wind scour, wind deposit, and a medium thick crust. There was minor sloughing.

Wet surface snow at lower elevation

Roller balls of various sizes on South face

East facing cornices with roller balls

Thin ice crust forming across surface

High elevation trees holding their N facing snow

Cornices on North bowl of castle

Snowpack Details

Persistent Weak Layers:

Not observed

Terrain Details

Terrain: elevations:

Above Treeline

Near Treeline

Below Treeline

Terrain: aspects:

Weather Details

Elevation of Observation:

7000 - 8000 ft.

8000 - 9000 ft.

Above 9000 ft.

Wind Speed:

Calm

Sky Cover:

Clear

Air temperature:

Above Freezing

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Sun Effect on South Face of Castle

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Sun Effect on South Face of Castle

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