Castle Peak Observations

We went to the Castle Peak area today to see how conditions were after the recent high elevation snow and rain event.  Castle Valley Road was passable today, but is melting out quickly back to dirt and rocks.  Once above 7500', snow coverage improves on N-NE-E aspects.  During the Monday night/Tuesday storm it had rained up to our high point of 8800' and today light mist was falling.  The snowpack is starting to slowly refreeze at higher elevations above 8500'.  This provided supportable snow conditions at the higher elevations with wet and punchy snow at the lower elevations.  Once the snow refreezes completely, firm snow surfaces could exist with potential travel concerns.  Snowpit data from the NW trees shows a well bonded and firm snowpack with no layers of concern at this point.  Many hazards and obstacles exist with our early season shallow snowpack and extra caution is advised.