Over the past week, the Old Ski Bowl weather station at treeline on Mount Shasta has recorded 76.2 inches of snow, with a snow/water equivalent of 3.12 inches. About 20 inches of snow existed on the ground above 8,500 feet prior to the storms. Over on the west side in the Castle Lake area, 35 inches of snow fell on mostly bare ground. The storm snow is settling out well, with 5-8 inches of settlement observed. Above treeline, strong wind out of the S-SW-W-NW has created light to heavy wind texturing, depending on location. Ridgelines are scoured and have rocks showing.
We have not observed or had any reports of avalanches over the past week. Signs of avalanche risk in the past few days have diminished and things are looking pretty safe out there, for the time being. See several recent observations below with more details from the past couple days.
Don't forget about the five MSAC weather stations across the local land. You can access them all via the weather tab.
Dry weather is expected through Sunday night, with partly cloudy skies. The wind is notable however and going to pick up out of the southwest later today. Above treeline and in other exposed areas throughout the forecast area, expect wind speeds upwards of 30-40 mi/hr tonight and into Sunday and Monday. Near and below treeline, wind should be light. Temperatures will remain nippy, falling a couple degrees tomorrow, so wind chill will be a significant environmental hazard if heading into the alpine. Looking out into the future, next week will start with southerly flow, which favors Mt. Shasta for gusty winds and some precipitation. The first bit of precipitation is expected Monday night into Tuesday. Snow levels will be near town and several inches of snow is in the forecast. This storm won't be as robust as the last, but we're not looking the gift horse in the mouth. Additional systems are likely to impact the forecast area through the rest of the week, shaping up to be a white Christmas. Grease the skids, Santa!
