Wind Slab Avalanches in the Castle Peak Area

Location Name: 
Castle Peak and Basin Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
Sun, 11/27/2016 - 07:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 38.6904" N, 120° 21' 24.3108" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path
Terrain Trap
Observation made by: Forecaster
Avalanche Observations
Avalanche Type: 
Dry
Slab
Trigger type: 
Natural
Crown Height: 
2 ft
Aspect: 
East
Weak Layer: 
Unknown
Avalanche Width: 
200ft.
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Elevation: 
8 700ft.
Bed Surface: 
Unknown
Avalanche Length: 
150ft.
Number of similar avalanches: 
2
More detailed information about the avalanche: 

From Castle Peak a natural wind slab avalanche was visible on the ENE facing ridge between Basin Peak and Castle Peak. This avalanche likely released near the end of the snowfall last night or early this morning. The size of this avalanche is an estimate since we only observed it from a distance. Conditions did not allow for a good photo of the slide. One other similar wind slab avalanche was visible just south of this one in one of the gullies off the N side of Castle. It had snow on top of the debris and track so it likely occurred during the night. If anyone has details or photos of these slides, send them in and we will update this observation.