Snowpack Observations from Castle Peak

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 11/29/2013 - 12:45
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 54.3672" N, 120° 21' 30.2364" W
See map: Google Maps
US



Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

As in other areas, the snowpack here remains shallow and patchy. Strong east winds have scoured exposed N-NE-E aspects in near and above treeline leaving behind exposed ground and rocks in many places. On the more sheltered NW-N aspects, 12-16 inches of snow existed above 7600 ft. This shallow snowpack consists of a mix of melt-freeze crusts and weak sugary snow (facets). Data and observations indicate that the melt-freeze crusts continue to erode and disintegrate.

On the more sun exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects, only small patches of snow remain.

Photo: A panorama showing the wind loaded NE-N aspects in the foreground and the NW-W-SW aspects of Castle and Basin Peak in the background.

 

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
South