Avalanche Advisory for 2013-12-27 07:13:09

Hoping you all had a great Holiday. Nothing notable happened over the week, other than beautiful, sunny weather. Folks have been getting after the ice skating on various lakes, mountain biking, hiking, and doing anything other than winter activities here in Shasta. It is what it is... 

Dwindling, patchy and downright desperate snow conditions up to 7 inches deep can be found above 6,500 feet in shaded areas and on northerly slopes. Areas on other aspects are devoid of snow. Aspects that host the most snow (cold, north facing) consist of sugary, faceted snow with various near surface crusts. When winter decideds to start, we will be watching these lower faceted/crust layers as they could be probelmatic with a bunch of new snow on top. I've seen the best developed facets and most snow over in the Ash Creek Butte area. This geographic cone is popular for snowmobilers and riders will need to be heads up when riding commences in Ash Creek's bowls.

Beyond the gate at Bunny Flat and the Sand Flat Winter Trails, snow is gone right now and skiing is not possible until we get more snow. For the most hard up skiers, Shasta's glaciers are the only skiing to be had in the area, or one of the long, very thin and likely rocky snow gullies on various areas of the east and north sides. Not recommended mind you, but just saying.

A current look at our situation on the South side of Mt. Shasta, photo taken 12-18-13, just before our recent dusting of snow at higher elevations. (Photo: H Meyers)

The North Side of Mt. Shasta with the Hotlam Glacier in center, Hotlam/Wintun ridge left, Shastina to the far right. Taken 12-18-13. (Photo: H Meyers)

The East side of Mt. Shasta, taken 12-18-13 (Photo: H Meyers)

Terrain:  Remember most of the terrain that we like to play on is greater than 30 degrees.  Avalanches are possible on anything steeper than 30 degrees.  Avoid cornices, rock bands, terrain traps and runout zones of avalanche paths.

Weather:  Most of our areas avalanche danger will occur 24-48 hours after a storm. We still can see persistent weak layers from time to time and we always will be sure to let you know about that!  Heed the basic signs: Wind (significant snow transport and depositions), Temperature (rain/snow/rain/snow, which in turn weakens the snowpack), and Precipitation (Snow or rain add weight and stress to the current snowpack).

Snowpack:  If snow accumulates, give the snowpack a chance to adjust to the new snow load before you play on or near steep slopes (greater than 30 degrees).  Most direct action avalanches occur within 24-48 hours of recent snowfall.  Watch for obvious signs of snowpack instability such as recent natural avalanche activity, collapsing of the snowpack (often associated with a “whumphing” sound), and shooting cracks. If you see these signs of instability, limit your recreation to lower angle slopes.

Human Factor: Don’t forget to carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear. You should NOT be skiing or climbing potential avalanche slopes without having beacons, shovels, and probes.  Only one person in a group should be exposed to potential avalanche danger at a time.  Remember, climbing, skiing, and riding down the edge of slopes is safer than being in the center.  Just because another person is on a slope doesn’t mean that it is safe.  Be an individual!  Make your own decisions.  Heed the signs of instability: rapid warming, “whumphing” noises, shooting cracks, snowing an inch an hour or more, rain, roller balls, wind loading, recent avalanche activity.