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Avalanche Forecast for 2019-04-03 05:43

  • EXPIRED ON April 4, 2019 @ 5:43 am
    Published on April 3, 2019 @ 5:43 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Despite lingering, scattered showers, today will serve as the break in our unsettled weather this week. Watch for small, isolated wind slabs above treeline, large cornices along ridgelines and minor loose-wet instabilities. While it's important to keep these hazards in mind, none of them are expected to be a major problem. Normal caution is advised.

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.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

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Warm temperatures and rain-on-snow has squashed most avalanche danger. Wind transport of any new snow will be minimal.  Major loose-wet instabilities are unlikely. Large cornices remain along ridgelines. Use normal caution. Anytime in the backcountry, maintain the use of safe travel practices. Identify features of concern, ski one at a time, carry rescue gear and know how to use it. Always pay attention to the five red flags of avalanche danger: recent, heavy new snow, wind blowing snow, recent avalanches, cracking/wumphing and rapid warming.

Forecast Discussion

What does April have in store for us? The latest temperture and precipitation models from the NWS Climate Prediction Center...



Recent Observations

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In the last 24 hours:

  • TEMP: Near treeline (high/low): 36/29 deg F
  • PRECIP: 1 inch new snow / .36" SWE (some rain on snow)
  • WIND: 7 mi/hr average speed / 18 mi/hr max speed
  • Notes: Poor visibility, rain-on-snow and moist to wet snow surfaces have kept most out of the backcountry lately. Boot penetration has been up to 2 feet deep. No recent avalanches have been observed. Large cornices remain. Isolated loose-wet instabilities exist. Above treeline observations have been limited.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

If you have spent anytime in the Pacific Northwest, you're probably feeling right at home here in Siskiyou County this week. Scattered showers, valley fog and low clouds will continue, giving us that socked in feeling. That said, today is the "break" in the action and periods of brief clearing will perhaps infiltrate the showery mix. Overall, we're gearing up for a decent looking storm arriving this weekend. Low snow levels might be a thing of the past now that it's April. More on this storm as it approaches.

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) 41 41 51 44 1 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 33 32 36 34 134 1 n/a 1
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 30 29.5 36.5 31.5 178 1 0.36 1.5
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 28.5 28.5 33 30.5 7 18 WNW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) Station not responding
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 29.5 29.5 38.5 34 1 7 S 133 0 1
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
  Wednesday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Wednesday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Thursday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Rain and snow showers. Chance of precipitation 70%. Snow level near 6,400 feet. SWE: .05" (Snow/Water Equivalent) Mostly cloudy. A 30% chance of rain and snow showers. Snow level near 6,600 feet. SWE: .06" Rain and snow showers. Breezy. Chance of precipitation 80%. Snow level near 6,200 feet. SWE: .26"
Temperature (°F) 39 36 37
Wind (mi/hr) South 5-10 South 5-10 South/Southeast 10-15
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 1-2 / 1-3 / 3-5
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy. Windy. Mostly cloudy. A 50% chance of precipitation. Snow showers. Windy. Chance of precipitation 90%.
Temperature (°F) 24 and falling 22 20
Wind (mi/hr) Southwest 15-20 Southwest 1-2 South 25-35
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 1-2 / 2-4 / 3-6

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2023 (the wet season) 35.51 35.69 99
Month to Date (since Apr 1, 2024) 0.29 0.23 126
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 27.10 20.48 132

Disclaimer

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