Avalanche problems in the area have been absent the past few days. Most field observations have centered around snow surface conditions and the ease or difficulty of backcountry travel. Current conditions are a mix bag of everything under the sun. South aspects near and above treeline have a stout sun crust making skinning difficult. Areas of soft unconsolidated snow can be found in protected spots, particularly W-NW-N-NE aspects. Wind-scoured terrain and sastrugi abounds above treeline. Below treeline, shaded areas harbor dry low-density snow while sunny areas hold wet crusty snow. Surface hoar can be found glistening in sheltered locations.
When the weather is nice but conditions are variable, it's a good time to brush up on your avalanche rescue skills. So grab a buddy, bury a backpack containing a beacon, and get to searching! Personally, I like to make it a game, challenging my friends and family to see who can find and probe the beacon the fastest. Slowest person pays for gas to the trailhead! Want help practicing your rescue skills? Need a refresher on the process? Attend our FREE companion rescue course Sunday, January 8th, 2023 at Bunny Flat. Come get hands-on practice, personalized instruction from the experts, and leave with all your questions answered!
Source: AIARE
Any climbers out there? Undoubtedly, the high pressure and low avalanche danger has lured a few into the possibility of climbing the mountain. The main crux for climbers is still soft, unconsolidated snow. Skis, splitboard, or snowshoes are mandatory to prevent arduous post-holing. When the terrain becomes too steep to skin, that's where the real work begins. Two days ago at 10,000 feet on Green Butte Ridge I sank in calf deep. So...climbing is possible, the weather is nice, the avalanche danger low...but the post-holing situation is extreme! Remember too, the days are short, the nights are cold and the wind chill factor on the upper mountain can be severe. A winter climb of Mt. Shasta is a different beast. Be prepared. Also, be sure to get your wilderness permit and summit pass prior to attempting a climb.
The region continues to experience an inversion with temperatures measuring about 10 degrees colder in town compared to the Old Ski Bowl. This has also continued the air stagnation advisory for low-lying valleys. Driving the inversion is a broad high pressure system currently situated over the region. Weather today should be similar to yesterday with mild temperatures, sunny weather, and light winds. Models are showing a slight break-up of the high pressure system the first half of this week. This should bring some cloud cover and a 40% change of snow Tuesday and Wednesday. For now, get out and enjoy the sunshine and nice temperatures!
Temperature inversion basics / Source: NWS Missoula
