Middle Peak, Castle Lake

Set out to get a look at the cornices along the ridgeline above Heart Lake today. These are large and nothing to mess with on a sunny day. Skinning up Right Peak snow surfaces were already moist and sticky by the 1030 hour.  The surfaces are smooth. Breezy westerly winds kept northerly aspects variable. Breakable crusts and smooth softening melt-freeze were the main surface forms seen. No obvious signs of avalanche danger except the cornices were observed. 

Observation Location: Castle Lake

• Elevation: 5,500 - 6,500 feet
• Date: 20210328
• Time: 1030 to 1200
• Observer: Ryan 
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR) 
• Current Precipitation: None
• Air Temperature: 50s°F
• Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 0 - 6 in (0 - 15  cm)
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 70 in
• Wind Direction:  W 
• Wind Speed: Light (L), 1-16 mi/hr