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Avalanche Forecast for 2020-12-02 05:30

  • EXPIRED ON December 3, 2020 @ 5:30 am
    Published on December 2, 2020 @ 5:30 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger is LOW. The snowpack is thin and hazards exist above and below the surface. Tread lightly. High pressure will keep conditions dry and clear throughout the week. Thank you to our donors who helped us raise over $10,000 during Giving Tuesday!

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 ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?

Overall avalanche danger is LOW. Exercise normal caution. Get back into the avalanche awareness mindset. Use safe travel techniques and bring your shovel, probe, and transceiver. Practice using them. Even the most experienced avalanche professionals need to review their skills.

Forecast Discussion

The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center raised over $10,000 during yesterday's Giving Tuesday event. Thank you so much to our supporters!

Our first avalanche awareness presentation will be held via Zoom this Friday, December 4th at 7:00 p.m. Save this link for details:

https://www.shastaavalanche.org/events/avalanche-awareness-presentation-0

Recent Observations

A winter storm beginning on November 17th brought close to 20 inches of snow to the Old Ski Bowl. About 14 inches of this remains in areas unaffected by wind. Ridges have lost much of their coverage.

The snowpack is right side up. A few crusts are intermingled throughout. Snow surfaces are variable. If you are getting out to enjoy the early season snow, beware of the many obstacles that exist above and below the surface.

There is no usable snowpack at Castle Lake and temperatures have been staying mostly above freezing.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

High pressure will continue to dominate our weather pattern throughout the week keeping things clear and dry. The outlook for the next couple of weeks does not look good for precipitation. You can check out the California Weather Blog for more details:

https://weatherwest.com/

This, of course, is bad news for those itching to ski. The good news is the mountain bike trails are in premo shape for riding.

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 4:00 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)
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 41 26 43 35 9 0 0 1
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 45 37.5 51 44.5 14.4 0 0 1
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 46 38 46.5 43.5 17 43 E
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 38.5 30 43 38 7.8 0 1.2
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 38.5 36 47 40.5 2 4 WSW 10.8 0 0.3
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 Sunny with light winds. Partly cloudy with light winds. Mostly sunny. Light and variable wind.
Temperature (°F) 46 36 44
Wind (mi/hr) Southeast 5-10 East 5-10 South 0-5
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather Sunny, with a temperature falling to around 30 by 5 p.m. Light winds. Clear. Partly cloudy with light winds. Mostly sunny with a light winds.
Temperature (°F) 40 30 30
Wind (mi/hr) South 5-10 South 5-10 West 5-10
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2023 (the wet season) 1.70 7.58 22
Month to Date (since Mar 1, 2024) 0.00 0.22 0
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 14.61 35.58 41

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 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted.