Observations from Castle Peak

More blowing snow than expected observed between 9am and 11 am in near treeline and above treeline terrain. NE winds stronger than forecast were scouring cornices and transporting snow. After 12 pm, winds became light and blowing snow was no longer present. New wind pillows were observed on W aspects. Despite this blowing snow and deposition, no signs of wind slab instability were observed. Travel below treeline gave no indications of loose dry or storm slab problems in the areas traveled (W-NW and E).

Photo 1: Cornice on the right (E aspect) and wind pillow on the left (W aspect) due to the shift from SW to NE winds.

Photo 2: Wind scoured cornices on E aspect between Castle Pass and Castle Pk.

Photo 3: Blowing snow along the Castle Pk - Basin Pk ridgeline. No signs of new wind slab formation.