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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-12-08 05:00

  • EXPIRED ON December 9, 2018 @ 5:00 am
    Published on December 8, 2018 @ 5:00 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and aspects. Exercise normal caution. Shallow buried hazards exist everywhere.

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

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

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

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

  • Character ?
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  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
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    Unlikely

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Both natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Exercise NORMAL CAUTION and watch for the odd wind slab(s) on leeward slopes. Wind pillows, hollow sounding snow, shooting cracks, and harder snow atop softer snow are signs that a wind slab may be nearby.

Forecast Discussion

Snow surfaces above treeline have been scoured and beaten by the wind. Climbers should be prepared for slide for life conditions and rockfall. Make sure to bring an ice axe and helmet with the knowledge to use them. Wear a helmet.

You may still find lingering light dry snow below treeline in shady areas, but with the recent warmer temperatures and sun, you're going to have to look harder.

Join us tonight for a Movie Night with director Bjarne Salen presenting three short inspiration films: 6 - 9 p.m. at the Sisson Museum, 1 N Old Stage Rd, Mount Shasta, CA.

Recent Observations

Overall snow stability is very good. The high pressure that has been lingering for the last few days has brought beautiful sunny skies and chilly temperatures and gifted us with an abundant amount of surface hoar at all elevations. Functioning as a great weak layer, we will need to keep an eye on this as storms move into the area.

Snow depths at various locations:

  • Old Ski Bowl - 35 inches average with drifts 40 to 50 inches, wind textured with soft snow surfaces. Ridge lines scoured to rock.
  • Castle Lake - 10 to 15 inches; needs more snow for reasonable winter recreation. The lake is not fully frozen and NOT supportable. An active bear has been observed on Left Peak.
  • Eddy Mountains - 25-30 inches; decent coverage. Vehicle access 5.2 miles up Parks Creek road from Stewart Mineral Springs.

Buried hazards exist everywhere. Use caution.

Below: Large surface hoar crystals observed below treeline yesterday on Mount Shasta. Photo: J Koster

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

A series of low pressure systems will roll precipitation in all next week beginning tomorrow night. Unfortunately the atmosphere throughout looks to only contain about 0.3 inches of water over the next six days, so don't expect game changing amounts of snow.

The freezing level tomorrow will be near 4,400 ft.

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 3:00 AM

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft) 36 22 44 36.5 1 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 30 21 33 29 27 2 0 2
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 30.5 24.5 32 27.5 35 1.9 0 1.6
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 29 24.5 31 27 13 25 WNW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) station down
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 31 22.5 37 29.5 2 10 WSW 27.5 1.2 2.5
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) station down
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) station down

Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
  Saturday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Saturday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.)
Sunday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Mostly sunny A 10 percent chance of snow after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy. Gusty. Snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Gusty.
Temperature (°F) 39 27 35
Wind (mi/hr) SE 5 SE 9 S 17
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather Mostly sunny. Breezy. A 10 percent chance of snow after 4 a.m. Partly cloudy. Gusty. Snow, mainly after 4 p.m. Chance of precipitation is 80%. Gusty.
Temperature (°F) 30 27 29
Wind (mi/hr) W 15 W 0 W 13
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2023 (the wet season) 5.08 8.97 57
Month to Date (since Mar 1, 2024) 0.35 1.61 22
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 20.36 36.97 55

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.