Submitted by nmeyers on Fri, 02/17/2023 - 5:59am
Recent Observations:
A local crusher and his comrade ventured above Helen Lake via Avalanche Gulch yesterday. One went all the way to the summit. I'll let them do the talking here. In Avalanche Gulch, "...within a 50 yard radius, snow surfaces ranged from wind packed powder, to hard melt/freeze wind board to icy chicken heads to sastrugi 1.5 feet tall." Also...."The worst conditions I’ve ever encountered above Helen Lake. A lot of fallen rock on the snow, and the Heart/Redbanks headwall was a checkerboard of wind board snow and clear rime ice. Not skiable from the summit to base of Misery Hill without a ton of rock strikes and riding the chicken head jackhammer." There you have it. If you need it described in other terms -- variable and gnarly! Over the past 24 hours near treeline on the big mountain, temperatures have ranged from 18° to 27° F. Wind has blown predominantly out of the SSW, averaging 5 mi/hr with gusts to 30 mi/hr. No recent avalanches or red flags of avalanche danger have presented.
Photos submitted by Jason Koster and Jack Kuenzle from their upper mountain adventure on 2.16.23. Travel above Helen Lake for experienced climbers only at this time. Firm, smooth, icy surfaces are widespread.
Mountain Weather:
A few low clouds may linger this morning, but mostly clear skies will host the rest of the day. Dry weather continues through the weekend, with cool mornings and mild afternoons. A temperature warming trend will occur, with daytime highs gradually increasing through Monday. A strong upper ridge of high pressure will remain centered near 140W, with a northwest flow in place. A couple weak short waves will move through the PacNW, neither will result in any precipitation. By the start of next week, the ridge will shift westward, opening up the doors for colder systems to drop in from the Gulf of Alaska. A stronger system will set up shop Tuesday through Thursday. Precipitation and very cold temperatures are likely.
Today 7-8 Weather :
Sunny
Today 7-8 Wind Direction:
E
Today 8-9 Wind Direction:
S
Tomorrow 7-8 Weather:
Sunny
Tomorrow 7-8 Wind Direction:
N
Tomorrow 8-9 Weather:
Sunny
Tomorrow 8-9 Wind Direction:
NW
Tonight 7-8 Weather:
Mostly clear
Tonight 7-8 Wind Direction:
N
Tonight 8-9 Weather:
Mostly clear
Tonight 8-9 Wind Direction:
N
21
15
31
24
100
0
0
21.5
18
27
21.5
124.5
0
0
Grey Butte Temp Cur:
19.5
Grey Butte Temp Min:
17.5
Grey Butte Temp Max:
21.5
Grey Butte Wind Max:
10.5
Grey Butte Wind Gust Max:
30.66
Castle Lake Temp Cur:
23.5
Castle Lake Temp Min:
23.5
Castle Lake Temp Max:
35.5
Mount Eddy Temp Max:
29.5
Mount Eddy Wind Gust Max:
4.46
Mount Eddy Snow Depth:
102.2
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Cur:
21
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Min:
20.5
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Max:
22.5
Ash Creek Bowl Temp Avg:
21.5
Ash Creek Bowl Snow New:
0
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Cur:
17.5
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Min:
16
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Max:
18.5
Ash Creek Ridge Temp Avg:
17
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Cur:
15
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Max:
24
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Gust Max:
37.96
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Avg:
E
Mt. Shasta City Temp Cur:
27
Mt. Shasta City Temp Min:
20
Mt. Shasta City Temp Max:
40
Mt. Shasta City Temp Avg:
33
Mt. Shasta City Wind Cur:
0
Mt. Shasta City Wind Min:
0
Mt. Shasta City Wind Max:
5
Mt. Shasta City Wind Avg:
0.5
Mt. Shasta City Wind Avg:
N
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Min:
7
Ash Creek Ridge Wind Avg:
17.5
Sand Flat Snow Settlement:
1
Ski Bowl Snow Settlement:
0.4
Mount Eddy Snow Settlement:
0.6
Ash Creek Bowl Snow Settlement:
0
Measured Precipitation Oct:
26.97
Normal Precipitation Oct:
21.95
Percent Precipitation Oct:
123
Measured Precipitation MTD:
1.09
Normal Precipitation MTD:
3.42
Percent Precipitation MTD:
32
Measured Precipitation YTD:
17.84
Normal Precipitation YTD:
9.71
Percent Precipitation YTD:
184
Tonight Wind Max 9-11:
10
Tomorrow Wind Max 9-11:
10
Tomorrow Wind Min 9-11:
5
Tonight Snow Max 7-9:
0.00
Tomorrow Snow Max 7-9:
0.00
Tonight Snow Min 7-9:
0.00
Tomorrow Snow Min 7-9:
0.00
Today Snow Max 9-11:
0.00
Tonight Snow Max 9-11:
0.00
Tomorrow Snow Max 9-11:
0.00
Today Snow Min 9-11:
0.00
Tonight Snow Min 9-11:
0.00
Tomorrow Snow Min 9-11:
0.00
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:
Low
