Castle Lake/Castle Spire

The first day of spring. Clouds, sun, moments of very light precipitation (snow, no accumulation) calm wind and beautiful filtered light and shadows through the clouds. Avalanche danger was very good. A supportable melt-freeze (MF) crust is widespread with a dusting of powdery snow on top. Only the coldest, darkest, north facing slopes held softer snow and anything resembling powder, still on top of the melt freeze crust. Some small grain, near crust facets exist below the crust. The MF crust on southerly slopes began to break down and soften mid-afternoon, though the temps overall were still chilly. Snow stayed on trees above ~6,000 feet. Did not observe any roller balls or wind slab instability. In steep terrain near ridges, a slide for life on firm crust or scoured, old snow is possible. A few crumbling cornices off middle peak was observed and had initiated small slides below. 

• Observation Location: Castle Lake / Castle Spire
• Elevation: Lake level to 6,300 feet
• Date: 20210320
• Time: 0930-1530
• Observer: N Meyers
• Sky Conditions: Scattered (SCT)
• Current Precipitation: Type - NO 
• Air Temperature: Last 24 hours - Mean 27.5°F / High 42°F / Low 21°F 
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 0-2 in (0-5 cm), boot penetration (PF) = 6 in (0-15 cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 79 in (200 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): 0 in (0 cm)
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): 0 in (0 cm)
• Wind Direction: N | NE 
• Wind Speed: [Calm (C), 0 mi/hr