Submitted by nmeyers on Sat, 12/10/2022 - 5:36am
Recent Observations:
Freezing fog on the goggles, pea soup for visibility and thigh deep snow made for difficult backcountry travel and avalanche hunting yesterday. That said, nearby, some folks found unstable snow below treeline on Gray Butte. A skier cut soft slab, ~1 foot thick, was easily triggered on a SE facing slope below treeline, 7,500 feet. The slab failed on a crust layer. Recent avalanches is the number one sign of avalanche danger...so if you see one...well, you know how it goes.
Further testing of the weak, sugary snow at the base of the snowpack indicates the layer is strengthening, and it is unlikely to see an avalanche fail at this layer. It still lingers in the mind, though, considering the heavy load of new snow falling on top and all the action the Sierra's have been getting on their persistent weak layer.
This morning, new snow totals are underperforming, but the forecast remains on track. We will wait until the end for the final consensus. Over 3" of water is expected out of this storm, all said and done Monday morning.
Over the past 24 hours on Mt Shasta:
- Temperatures have ranged from 11° to 20° F at treeline. Average temperature: 17° F
- Wind: South - Max gusts reached 37 mph. Average speed: 11 mph
- Snow accumulation: ~6-8 inches / Snow-Water Equivalent: .95 inches
Mountain Weather:
A winter storm warning in effect until 10 PM PST this evening. A much anticipated wet, winter storm has arrived, and the forecast remains unchanged. Snow accumulation has been underperforming, but we will still give models a chance to deliver what they said. Gusty south wind will continue today, accompanied by heavy, wet snow. Snowfall rates will exceed 2 inches per hour at times and visibility will be poor. The storm will be winding down this afternoon as the low digs south. Snow showers will continue through the weekend. High pressure with cold temperatures will take shape Monday and Tuesday.
Today 7-8 Weather :
Snow, heavy at times, windy. Snow level near 4,000-4,500 feet
Today 7-8 Wind Direction:
S
Today 8-9 Weather:
Snow, heavy at times, windy
Today 8-9 Wind Direction:
SW
Tomorrow 7-8 Weather:
Snow showers, otherwise mostly cloudy. Snow level near 2,700 feet
Tomorrow 7-8 Wind Direction:
W
Tomorrow 8-9 Weather:
Snow showers, freezing fog, mostly cloudy and cold
Tomorrow 8-9 Wind Direction:
SW
Tonight 7-8 Weather:
Snow showers, heavy at times, windy. Storm tapering off. Snow level near 3,500 feet, temps cooling
Tonight 7-8 Wind Direction:
SW
Tonight 8-9 Weather:
Snow showers, heavy at times, storm tapering off
Tonight 8-9 Wind Direction:
SW
24
10
24
20
20
11.5
20.5
17
58.16
2.7
0.81
Grey Butte Temp Cur:
19.5
Grey Butte Temp Max:
19.5
Grey Butte Wind Cur:
12.5
Grey Butte Wind Max:
15.5
Grey Butte Wind Gust Max:
36.8
Castle Lake Temp Cur:
24.5
Castle Lake Temp Max:
26.5
Mount Eddy Temp Cur:
22.5
Mount Eddy Temp Min:
13.5
Mount Eddy Temp Avg:
20.5
Mount Eddy Wind Gust Max:
7.66
Mount Eddy Snow Depth:
38.62
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Cur:
22.5
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Min:
12.5
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Max:
22.5
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Avg:
18.5
Ash Creek Bowl Snow New:
1.1
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Cur:
19
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Min:
10
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Max:
19
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Avg:
15
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Cur:
0
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Max:
0
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Gust Max:
0
Mt. Shasta City Temp Cur:
33
Mt. Shasta City Temp Min:
27
Mt. Shasta City Temp Max:
33
Mt. Shasta City Temp Avg:
31
Mt. Shasta City Wind Cur:
5
Mt. Shasta City Wind Min:
0
Mt. Shasta City Wind Max:
8
Mt. Shasta City Wind Avg:
3
Mt. Shasta City Wind Avg:
ESE
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Min:
0
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Avg:
0
Ski Bowl Snow Settlement:
0
Mount Eddy Snow Settlement:
0
Ash Creek Bowl Snow Settlement:
0
Measured Precipitation Oct:
5.88
Normal Precipitation Oct:
7.54
Percent Precipitation Oct:
78
Measured Precipitation MTD:
2.55
Normal Precipitation MTD:
1.91
Percent Precipitation MTD:
134
Measured Precipitation YTD:
13.83
Normal Precipitation YTD:
32.92
Percent Precipitation YTD:
42
Tomorrow Wind Max 7-9:
10
Tonight Wind Max 9-11:
15
Tomorrow Wind Max 9-11:
15
Tomorrow Wind Min 9-11:
5
Today Snow Max 7-9:
14.00
Tonight Snow Max 7-9:
6.00
Tomorrow Snow Max 7-9:
2.00
Today Snow Min 7-9:
12.00
Tonight Snow Min 7-9:
2.00
Tomorrow Snow Min 7-9:
1.00
Today Snow Max 9-11:
15.00
Tonight Snow Max 9-11:
7.00
Tomorrow Snow Max 9-11:
2.00
Today Snow Min 9-11:
13.00
Tonight Snow Min 9-11:
3.00
Tomorrow Snow Min 9-11:
1.00
Weather Station Discussion:
The table below summarizes data reported from all of our weather stations over the last 24 hours.
Seasonal Stats Discussion:
The wet season is October 1 through May 1. The table below summarizes recorded vs. normal precipitation amounts for the City of Mount Shasta.
Overall Danger Rating:
High
