Castle Peak - Stable , wind loading, and wind slab forming

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 12/15/2012 - 10:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 49.6728" N, 120° 20' 41.5428" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Public
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Just as described in forecast for today.  Wind slabs were forming down about a 1/3 of slope.  We skied a North facing slope on the Ridge east of  the Peak.  We saw mostly stable conditions with no movement from any party.  Variable wind slabs with variable densities were forming with the high wind gusts. Snow transport was happening in bursts.  The ridgetops were becoming wind scoured in spots revealing the ice crust.  We experienced some variable snow layers in chutes.  Cold temps and wind chill was an issue for many on top.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: