The much anticipated atmospheric river (AR) arrived yesterday afternoon. Access to the backcountry has been limited, with both Castle and Everitt roads closed. Over the past 24 hours, Mount Shasta has recorded 13 inches of new snow at treeline, though likely more in areas. On the west side, the Mt Eddy station recorded 12 inches. Wind has blow predominantly out of the south/southwest, averaging 16 mi/hr with gusts to 61 mi/hr on Gray Butte. Wind loading has been significant. Yesterday, we went out into the Eddy mountains, west of the interstate, to stick our noses into the leading edge of the storm. Boy howdy, it was a doozy. Gale force wind out of the south and moisture laden snow created whiteout conditions. It was difficult to see anything. It wasn't the day to be exploring around. While we didn't see any avalanches, red flags of avalanche danger were ever present including heavy snow, wind blowing snow and a few small shooting cracks. A weak layer within recent storm snow, now buried 1–2 feet deep, was still teased out with easy to moderate pit test failures. New AR event snow was moist and denser than any of the previous snow we've received over the past week. You know what this means: the upside down avalanche cake. Bottom line: Give all the new snow time to settle...in other words, let the glue dry. Overall, we have a great snowpack. That said, there are different layers within the snow due to changes in wind, temperatures and snow density...this all will stabilize, but give it time. The problem is, every time we get a minute, we get another storm! Once again, let the glue dry, and we will be back to shredding the steep and deep soon.
A winter storm warning remains in effect until 4pm PST this afternoon. The main front of low pressure is beginning to move over the Cascades in Oregon and central Siskiyou County. This is faster than what was expected. Showers will decrease in coverage and intensity this afternoon. Windy conditions will continue, especially from the Cascades east. More impactful winter weather is expected Sunday into early next week.
http://www.windy.com - The Atmospheric River - More on the way....