New snow Monday night did not do much to change the snowpack on Mount Shasta near and above treeline. Winds have blown the meager 1 inch of snow into the nether regions. Below treeline, where there is less wind-affect, you may still find a consistent 1 inch of snow available for a pleasant, wintry hike in the woods.
The Eddies received a bit more snow - up to a couple of inches.
Underneath the patchy, new snow, you'll find a worn, tired snowpack, colored with blown dirt and roughened by sun and wind. Rocks, stumps and other obstacles are showing.
That said, there is still plenty of usable snow. Climbing conditions have been good. Slick, hard ice is not widespread. As temperatures warm, be prepared for falling rock and ice. Climb early, wear a helmet, and keep your head up.
Check out the most recent climbing observation for details. For more general information about climbing Mount Shasta, check out the climbing advisory page.
There is currently an inversion in the area. The temperature in Mount Shasta is 31 ºF. At the Old Ski Bowl, it's 41 ºF. As this inversion lifts and temperatures increase, we're likely to feel some gusty winds all the way down into town as gale force north winds aloft stream into the region. The winds are already picking up. Hang on tight if venturing into exposed areas up high. You might experience 50 mi/hr winds.
Low level clouds are likely early, but these should clear by mid-day.
Temperatures are on the rise. Freezing levels will be in the 6-7,000 ft range today and will increase to the 8-9,000 ft level tomorrow. The influence of high pressure is back and so is the cycle of warm days and cold nights.
