Snowpack observations from Castle Peak

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/18/2010 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 21.7296" N, 120° 20' 26.3436" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Rapid warming
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Only 2-4 inches of wet snow present on SE-S-SW aspects by 1pm. Some small, skier-triggered roller balls and sluffs did occur on 35-40-degree SE-S-facing test slopes; however, not enough snow was entrained to pose a threat to backcountry travellers (see photos 1 and 2). Less surface melting today due to cooler temperatures and stronger winds. Free water on the snow surface up to 8800' in this area on southerly aspects. On the northerly aspects a thin melt freeze crust existed up to 8200' (photo 3). Below this crust and below the wet snow soft, cold,  dry snow existed.

Snowpack photos: 
Any other comments about the observation or links to outside pages that have more info on the observation: 

 

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: