Basal facets on Castle Peak.

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 11/09/2015 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 0.2208" N, 120° 21' 21.2904" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Basal facets developed from the Nov 1 snowfall in upper elevation northerly aspects in this area. These facets are now buried by recent snowfall. No signs of instability observed today. Despite the shallow height of the weak layer, snowpit tests indicate that the weak layer is not well supported by anchoring. As the overlying slab of recent storm snow increases, this weak layer may become problematic.

Photos: Layer of very weak basal facets at the pit location and PST SF results with basal facet layer visible.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour