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Conditions Before Storm at Castle Lake

Castle Lake looking south towards Center Peak
Location Name: 
Castle Lake
Region: 
Castle Lake
Date and time of observation: 
Mon, 01/14/2019 - 11:00am
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 13' 13.9692" N, 122° 22' 50.3796" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

If skiing hard supportable icy crusts is your thing Castle Lake was the place to be today. The following conditions were observed on a quick walk up near Heart Lake:

  • Height of snow at 6,000 feet below Heart Lake (HS): 40-45 inches (100-120 cm)
  • Smooth supportable ice on Castle Lake
  • Rain runnel snow below 6,500 feet
  • Large cornice forming on north side of Middle Peak's ridge above Heart Lake (see picture below)
  • Very hard and icy supportable snow on north and west facing aspects to 5,800 feet.
  • Light wind out of the west. 

Always give ridge lines with cornice formations respect. These masses of snow deposited by the wind are hazardous. Travel directly under is not recomended. Overhanging cornices can claps and could cause damage.

Photos

  • Cornice forming on north aspect above Heat Lake
  • Looking north with Castle Lake below

Weather Observations

Details

  • Mostly clear, scattered clouds
  • Locally gusty and windy along ridges
  • Temps below freezing

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
25% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
None
Accumulation rate: 
None
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Light
Wind Direction: 
Southwest