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Avalanche Advisory for 2014-01-19 06:39:00

  • EXPIRED ON January 20, 2014 @ 6:39 am
    Published on January 19, 2014 @ 6:39 am
  • Issued by -

For all snow clad aspects and gullies above 10,000 ft. on Mt Shasta, the avalanche danger is LOW and normal caution is advised. Lack of snow on other aspects/elevations make the avalanche danger absent.
Rockfall is still a hazard on Mt. Shasta until we receive significant snow. Climbing is not recommended on select routes. Be sure to check the climbing advisory or call the ranger station for details if you still choose to climb.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

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The avalanche danger on Mt Shasta's glaciers and all other areas hosting snow is LOW. Normal caution advised. Skiing on the glaciers at this time is rough and icy. Be cautious of open bergshrunds, crevasses, ice patches, and rock/ice fall. Self arrest may be difficult with current conditions. Always keep an eye and ear out for rock fall.

Other skiable areas host variable snow textures. Normal caution advised. If you find yourself climbing or skiing one of the many skinny, snow-filled gullies...keep in mind that these gullies can host much more rockfall than open slopes as they act like a funnel for any loose rocks descending the mountain. Such was the case with our New Years Day accident in Avalanche Gulch, right of The Heart. We don't call it the "bowling alley" just because.... WEAR A HELMET PROPERLY - That is, fit snugly to your head with the front of the helmet directly over your eyebrow line.


 

Recent Observations

You can only say the same thing different so many times before it begins to get a little bit ridiculous. It's getting ridiculous. Nothing much new to report. Non-winter activities continue to dominate unless you follow the tracks of the 1-16 Cascade Gulch shredders. Other snow filled gullies could also be skied and/or the glaciers of course. These types of skiing adventures probably are not worth traveling for and best for angsty, bitter locals looking to blow off some steam. wink  Just joking.... Any day is a good day outside and in the mountains!

The time of day and associated lighting on the snow can play tricks on the eyes. Morning light makes the glacier skiing look pretty darn smooth and nice....the afternoon light accents the ice patches and true texture of the glacier. My best advice is, variable. cheeky Grab life by the horns and go check it out! Use extra caution concerning rockfall and check the climbing advisory if you choose to climb any of the routes on Mt Shasta.

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A few tracks were observed on the road in the Sand Flat winter trails area on Friday [1-17]. While someone could potentially scoot around on cross-country skis in that area, the snow pack is THIN! Rocks and dirt will be encountered and with the above freezing temps due to inversions we've been seeing, the snow won't last long!

Above Bunny Flat along the trail to Horse Camp, a couple inches of snow covered the trail.

I havn't heard how the ice skating has been...mountain biking though, good!

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A couple local boys got after it on [1-16] and were able to find some turns in Cascade Gulch! They quoted the adventure as, "Fairly smooth, chalky snow..." and, "Pretty fun day actually..."! They proved that skiing is not just limited to the glaciers, but possible in a few of Shasta's gullies that are filled in. They began their ski from the Shasta/Shastina saddle and were able to ski to Hidden Valley. The two had to de-ski only a few times for short rock sections. One must walk from Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley.

Otherwise, sunny skies and high pressure continues, a bit of a broken record these days! The area received no new snow over the week and recreation without snow is still the soup de jour.

Photo: Chris Carr

Photo: Chris Carr

Photo: Chris Carr

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All trailheads are still accessible by vehicle. Be cautious of any overnight trips on the mountain with snow involved. Storms can easily dump large amounts of snow to the area and make it difficult to drive off the mountain! While Northgate, Brewer Ck and Clear Ck trailheads are officially closed, the bathrooms are still open with packout bags inside, and one can still access the Mt Shasta Wilderness. However, your summit pass and wilderness permits must be purchased at McCloud or Mt Shasta Ranger Stations. NO DOGS are allowed in the Mt Shasta Wilderness OR Sierra Club Property. Thanks!

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Below are a few aerial pictures taken during the middle of December. Conditions look much the same currently.


Aerial photo of the South side of Mt. Shasta, taken 12-18-13. (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)

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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).

SnowpackIf 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.

 


 

    Weather and Current Conditions

    Weather Summary

    In Mt Shasta City this morning at 0500, we have clear skies and a strong inversion in place with a current temperature of 28 F.

    On Mt Shasta (South Side) in the last 24 hours...

    Old Ski Bowl - 7,600 feet, we have no new snow with a snow depth total of up to 5 inches at best in more shaded areas. The current temperature is 41F with a low of 40F and a high of 53F.

    Gray Butte - 8,000 feet, the current temperature is 41F. Temps have ranged from a low of 40F to a high 48F. Winds have averaged 6mph with gusts to 14mph, southerly in nature with a few westerly puffs.

    Castle Lake and Mt Eddy (West side of I-5)... 

    Castle Lake - 5,600 feet, the current temperature is 45F with a low of 43F and a high of 52F. Castle Lake has no new snow with a current snowpack of 0-5 inches in more shaded areas and/or northerly aspects.

    Mt Eddy - 6,500 feet, the current temperature is 38F with a low of 35F and a high of 51F. Mt Eddy received no of new snow and the snow depth total is 0-5 inches. Winds have averaged 2 mph with gusts to 6 mph and west/southwest in nature. A little bit of east wind occured between 12 and 1500.

    THIS SEASON: Since September 1st (the wet season), we have received 2.97 inches of water, normal is 20.15 inches, putting us at 14% of normal. For the month of January, Mt Shasta has received 0.15 inches of water with normal being 4.27 inches. For the year 2014, Mt Shasta has received 0.15 inches of water, normal is 4.27 inches, which puts us at 3% of normal.

    Mt Shasta finished off 2013 with exactly 10.00 inches of water, normal is 43.21", putting us at a meager 23% of normal. Let it be known that a DESERT is classified as an area that receives 10 inches of water or less per year.

    December 2012 was wetter than the entire 2013 calendar year (10.43"). WOW!

    WEATHER SYNOPSIS:

    More of the same, sunny and clear, stagnant with cool temps in the valleys (inversions). A chance of a low pushing through into the northern end of our area during the middle of the week has been mentioned in some discussions, Wednesday/Thursday maybe... but I'm not convinced anything will happen with tha storm by the looks of it. We'll see moderate northwest winds and light showers at best... I wouldn't get your hopes up for anything more. The storm will likely be best for wetting the mountain bike trails rather than kicking off winter for us. Still a good time to take a trip north - Wait, stop!... I mean come to Mt Shasta and support the snow-less economy by doing tons of other recreation, eating, drinking, sleeping and spending money!

     

    CURRENT CONDITIONS at Bunny Flat (6950 ft)
    0600 temperature: 41
    Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 53
    Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: Variable
    Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 6 mi/hr
    Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 14 mi/hr
    New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
    Total snow depth: 0-5 inches

    Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

    Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

    For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
      Sunday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
    Sunday Night
    (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.)
    Monday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
    Weather Sunny Clear Sunny
    Temperature (°F) 49 28 51
    Wind (mi/hr) Southeast 5-10mph Southeast Light Southeast 3-5mph
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
    For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
      Sunday Sunday Night Monday
    Weather Sunny Clear Sunny
    Temperature (°F) 46 29 47
    Wind (mi/hr) Southwest 10-20mph West 0 Variable becoming southeast in AM 5-10mph
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0

    Disclaimer

    This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.