October and early November precipitation brought a solid base of snow to Mount Shasta. Even with warmer temperatures, that base still lingers above treeline. Yesterday, snow depth was 14 in (35 cm) at 8,000 ft and 32 in (80 cm) at 9,000 ft.
Snow surfaces are variable. Expect areas of wind textured snow above treeline. Slide-for-life conditions exist up high. Be leery of hidden obstacles if snow becomes soft. There are plenty of visible obstacles as well.
Climbers should be prepared for falling rock.
Climbers and skiers will find mostly continuous snow just beyond the saddle of Green Butte Ridge near the intersection of Climber's Gully and the summer trail to Horse Camp. You may have to take your skis off a couple of times along the way up the gully.
There is no usable snow at Sand Flat. The road above Bunny Flat is closed and bare to Panther Meadow. There is no snow at Castle Lake and the lake is not frozen. Ice skaters will have to remain patient for the onset of colder weather.
High pressure looks to block any moisture from the area until the end of the weekend. We'll see the continued cycle of cold nights and warm days over the next several days. A shift in the weather pattern could begin to swing moisture and colder temps into the area after Sunday.
October rains brought us up to 165% of normal precipitation for the season. This has gotten us on track to be on average even if the next two months are dry. Despite the respite, drought conditions are likely to persist for California overall, although according to the California Weather Blog, the far north part of the state may be the exception.
Keeping on a positive note, the climate prediction charts stick us in the equal probability band of normal precipitation and temperatures over the next month.
