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Sun Bowl

Location Name: 
Sun Bowl
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 02/20/2018 - 10:00pm
Observation made by: 
Professional Observer

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 22' 0.4548" N, 122° 13' 3.9036" W
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Observations of conditions in and near Sun Bowl:

  • There is a surprising large but isolated overhanging cornice on an east facing aspect of upper Sun Bowl. New snow from Sunday's storm was deposited in starting zones just below the ridgetop which may have formed small wind slabs, but no evidence of wind slabs on similar aspects were found in lower Sun Bowl. There is a lot of exposed rock in runout zones.
  • Broadway ridge is a treacherous mix of ice and rock. Sun Bowl is best approached from below.
  • No wind transport of snow was observed.
  • No signs of instability were observed.
  • There has been little to no snow settlement. Snow remains dry. There is generally two to three inches of snow from Sunday below 9000 ft but plenty of spots where firm and icy underlying surfaces are exposed. Skiing it was almost pleasant particularly on low angle terrain. Route finding is needed to avoid hidden obstacles once below treeline. Bring your rock skis.

Photos

  • Conditions Below Treeline - 2 to 3 in of dry snow, mixed with exposed crusts and hidden rocks
  • Lower and Upper Sun Bowl
  • Upper Sun Bowl
  • Snow Surface - Lower Sun Bowl - 2 to 3 in of dry wind broken snow
  • Green Butte - Southwest Aspect
  • Broadway - Icy and Rocky
  • Closeup of upper Sun Bowl - Large isolated overhanging cornice

Weather Observations

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
75% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
No
Precipitation: 
Snow
Accumulation rate: 
Less than 1 in. per hour
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Light
Wind Direction: 
Southeast