Castle Peak assessment

Location Name: 
Castle Peak Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 01/14/2017 - 13:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 1.0272" N, 120° 21' 18.81" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Near tree line many textures and densities of wind effected snow from supportable to breakable and lightly crusted.  Worst areas had 5 to 6 foot shooting cracks around skis, and one lain over would be wind sculpted and supportable.  Large wind features in upper elevations.   All in NW Castle Bowl.

Andesite Ridge- Fluted and sculpted up high with firm wind board at ridge top.  Then deeper snow below tree line.

Biggest issue across all terrain were large tree wells and settling that could possibly eat a skier. Watch out in the trees.

Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
No
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Light
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Northeast
Accumulation rate: 
None
More detailed information about the weather: 

Below Cloud layer cool and no sun effect. Above cloud layer trees starting to rain from solar gain. Air Temp felt below freezing