Spring Snow Conditions on Castle Peak

Location Name: 
South Bowls Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 03/09/2014 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 37.5552" N, 120° 20' 25.584" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Spring skiing on south aspects in the Castle Peak area today as the next storm system approaches tonight.  Even with the lack of a freeze overnight the surface snow was ski supportive from the trailhead.  The right combination of wind and some sun created good corn skiing above 8000'.  Below 7500' the snow was punchy and sticky by mid day with marginal snow coverage in this area below 7500'.  No signs of loose wet instabilities in this area throughout the day. 

Photo#1:  View of south side bowls.

Photo#2:  Ski pole penetration of 10cm.  7500' south aspect 11am.

Photo#3:  Boot pen 45cm, ski pole penetration to the ground.  7500', south aspect 1pm.

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: 

Light SW winds increasing to moderate by mid day.  High cloud cover with some sun breaks throughout the mid day.  By mid afternoon the winds were increasing with cooling temperatures.  No precip in this area up to 2pm.