Castle Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/03/2011 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 59.4756" N, 120° 21' 0.1764" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

8-10'' of unconsolidated snow from the 1/30 storm in wind protected terrain providing good riding conditions.  Exposed upper terrain was scoured down to the pre storm surface crust, from the recent east wind events, very firm and unforgiving extending downslope several hundred feet.  Snow surface conditions range from unconsolidated snow, very firm ice, wind board and a large amount of in between breakable crusts.  Solar aspects were a mixed bag of wind scoured, breakable, nice soft snow, and wet sticky snow conditions.  

Photo #1: Showing the wind scouring on a north aspect from the east winds.

Photo #2: The wind loading on SE-S aspects from the east wind event. 

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
East
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Clear skies for most of the day.  Moderate east winds on ridgelines and upper elevations with calm to light winds at lower elevations.