Castle Peak Snowpack Observations

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/31/2018 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 2.3412" N, 120° 21' 7.3764" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Cold unconsolidated snow existed on open northerly aspects in the Castle Peak area above 8000'.  A snowprofile on a NE aspect showed a well consolidated and bonded snowpack.  Multiple snowpack tests were consistent in not showing any weaknesses within the recent storm snow or around the old snow crust/near crust facet layers.  Many old avalanches were visible in this area that occurred sometime around the Jan 24-25 storm cycle.  Most were thought to be wind slab avalanches.

On the south side of Castle Peak in the early afternoon there was 4-6'' of wet surface snow.  Snow coverage on this aspect is thin with many rocks and obstacles present.  No signs of loose wet activity was seen or observed in this area while downskiing.

Today was warm and mostly sunny with increasing clouds into the afternoon.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest