Wind Effect, Unconsolidated Snow and Crusts on Castle Peak

Location Name: 
North Side Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/20/2014 - 12:30
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 50.1588" N, 120° 20' 49.6104" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

I experienced stable conditions throughout the day in this area.  On shaded and protected areas from the recent winds there was 10-25cm of wind buff and unconsolidated snow on top of a very well defined rain crust.  Any areas exposed to the recent winds were scoured down to this very firm rain crust.  The bond between the recent snow and the rain crust was good with very minor surface sluffing in the steeper areas encountered today. 

Photos #1 and #2:  Wind effect in this area on North aspects from the recent NW-W winds with some areas scoured down to the rain crust and other areas with very good wind buff and unconsolidated snow.

Photo#3:  The solar aspects are transitioning to spring snow with South aspects providing good travel by mid day.  Coverage is limited on these aspects with areas of sticky and punchy snow.

Photos #4 and #5:  Old avalanche debris from the 2/7-2/10 storm system, partially covered up by the recent storm.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
West
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

12:30pm at 8600' on the North Side of Castle peak.  HS=160, ATemp 4c, Tsurf -5, T-20 -6, L-West winds, Boot Pen 15cm.