Newly Forming Wind Slabs on Castle Peak

Location Name: 
Castle Peak
Region: 
Donner Summit Area
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/18/2017 - 11:00
Location Map: 
United States
39° 21' 52.4556" N, 120° 21' 37.116" W
See map: Google Maps
US


Red Flags: 
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Observation made by: Forecaster
Snowpit Observations
More detailed information about the snowpack: 

Snowfall and wind intensity was increasing throughout the morning.  By 12pm , 2-4'' of new snow had fallen and strong SW winds were forming sensitive and reactive wind slabs with 6-8'' crowns along exposed ridgelines.  New storm snow was high density and was bonding well to old snow surfaces we encountered.  

Snowpack photos: 
Weather Observations
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Precipitation: 
Snow
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Direction: 
Southwest
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
More detailed information about the weather: