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Castle Lake Observations

Castle Lake below, photo taken from Middle Peak
Location Name: 
Casle Lake
Region: 
Castle Lake
Date and time of observation: 
Fri, 12/27/2019 - 11:30am
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 13' 9.4332" N, 122° 23' 2.9724" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

  • Road plowed, cindered, packed snow and ice
  • Castle Lake is frozen and supportable
  • Average height of snow: 1.5 to 3 feet deep
  • Numerous obstacles still exist like rocks, brush and trees
  • Ridgelines scoured to ice. Small cornices along Middle Peak. 
  • Small test slopes produced shooting cracks (wind slabs) observed on Middle Peak near treeline
  • Surface hoar below treeline in protected areas

Photos

  • Castle Lake, lake level, Middle Peak in background. Lake is frozen and supportable.
  • Surface hoar in low lying, protected areas below treeline
  • Shooting crack near treeline, a sign of wind slab avalanche danger
  • 12/19 ice crust now exposed along ridgelines due to strong NW winds

Weather Observations

Details

  • Clear, cold
  • Windy near and above treeline, N/NW 5-15 mi/hr - Gusts 15-25 mi/hr

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
None
Accumulation rate: 
None
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Wind Direction: 
Northwest