Castle Peak Observations

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/30/2016 - 12:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 1.956" N, 120° 21' 13.284" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Did a test pit to target the persistent weak layers near the 12/15 rain crust.  Snow pack tests mostly showed the near crust facets gaining some strength in this area with multiple large column tests showing that propagation is not likely on this layer at this time.  Recent SW/W winds have scoured snow off of the exposed ridges and peak down to the 12/15 rain crust in areas.  SW winds increased into the moderate range into the afternoon.  Minor blowing snow was observed at the higher elevations but limited snow was available for transport.  Large surface hoar was observed throughout the day especially in the meadows.  Surface hoar size dramatically decreased at the higher elevations on the way up to the peak. 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
More detailed information about the weather: