Observations from Castle Pk and Andesite Ridge.

Location Name: 
Castle Peak/Andesite Ridge
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 01/31/2016 - 11:15
Location Map: 
United States
39° 22' 2.5788" N, 120° 21' 11.754" W
See map: Google Maps
US


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

Numerous intentional cornice collapses and ski cuts above and in wind loaded test slopes on Andesite Ridge and the SW ridge of Castle Peak failed to find any signs of unstable wind slabs. Higher density wind packed snow was encountered in some lee areas, but no significant skier triggered cracking was observed. Intentionally collapsed cornice sections entrained loose dry snow with no propagation. No signs of storm slab cracking while breaking trail in wind protected areas.

Snowpit work performed at the noted lat/long identified early stage faceted snow crystals along the bottom of the Jan 29 rain crust and ECTP test results.

Significant snow amounts, no less than 10 cm was available for wind transport on all aspects traveled in near treeline and above treeline terrain.

Snowpit or crown profile photo or graph: 
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: 
Static
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: 

SW winds in the morning had switched to NE by mid day.