Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have ranged from 20° to 35° F at treeline on Mount Shasta. Wind has blow predominantly out of the east and southeast, averaging 3 mi/hr with gusts to 24 mi/hr. Pretty tranquil overall. Up to 9,000 feet in Avalanche Gulch yesterday, climbing conditions were decent with widespread, firm surfaces. No signs of avalanche activity were observed. Below treeline, soft snow can still be found in areas sheltered from the wind and shaded. The days are getting longer, the sun higher in the sky, and a sun crust is ever present on sun exposed terrain. Snow surfaces became moist later in the day. Near and above treeline is where things become much more variable and wind hammered. Large patches of ice, old wind slabs, sastrugi, and firm wind board can be found on all aspects. Softer, wind blown snow has collected in gullies, providing the best option for pleasant sliding and riding. Temperatures remained just below freezing with light wind out of the southeast.
A huge high pressure ridge dominates the Pacific. A couple weak shortwaves of weather will slide over the top and down the east side of the ridge, resulting in little effect to the area besides scattered high clouds. High temperatures are a few degrees warmer today. Northwesterly flow will bring moderate, gusty winds over higher terrain. The remainder of the holiday weekend is going to follow a similar pattern, with dry weather accompanied by mild daytime temps and cool overnight and morning lows. A slight warming trend will occur each day through Monday. This mild weather ends with the start of the work week as cold, wintry weather returns to the region.
