Castle Lake

Snow surfaces are smooth at Castle Lake, and the northerly winds and cool temperatures kept it firm today. We toured around the cirque assessing stability, availability of snow for transport, and the amount of softening and surface melt occurring. The first thing we noticed was the large overhanging cornices hanging over Middle Peak. We quickly realized that these were hard as a rock, but they are something to be aware of on a warmer day. Our skies barely penetrated the icy surfaces, and there was little to no available snow for transport, but pellets of ice were being blown during hard gusts. We found relief when we skinned over to the direct south face of Right Peak. Protected slopes facing direct south hosted softening conditions. Our snowpack is still in a state of transition, and the cycle has just begun, but surfaces are smooth, and with the consistent freeze-thaw forecast this week, it won't take long for the corn to ripen. 

• Observation Location: Castle Lake
• Elevation: 5400 to 6600 feet
• Date: 20210323
• Time: 1100-1330
• Observer: Sorenson and Beverly 
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR) - Scattered clouds before 10 a.m. 
• Current Precipitation: NO
• Air Temperature: 32°F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 0-3 in (0-5 cm)
• Wind Direction: Northeast
• Wind Speed: Moderate (M), 17-25 mi/hr, small trees sway, Strong gusts