Observations from Castle Peak

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/24/2013 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 0.336" N, 120° 21' 23.76" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Obvious avalanche path
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Wind slabs in this area appeared stable. Very early stage near crust facets were visible on top of the melt-freeze crust at the base of the recent storm snow. Dial stem thermometers were unable to detect a temperature gradient across this layer interface. Evidence of previous wind scouring by NE winds was notable in the upper portion of avalanche start zones on NW-N aspects in this area.

Descending the open slopes above treeline on the SW side of Castle Peak revealed 1 inch of corn snow on top of supportable crust at 11:30am. Once below treeline, patchy areas of thick forest canopy cover had experienced a poor overnight refreeze. Most other below treeline areas held mostly frozen snow surface conditions and breakable crust.

All open areas had experience a very strong overnight refreeze on all aspects in the areas traveled between 7,200' and 8,450'.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: