Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have ranged from 22° to 38°. Wind has blow predominantly out of the west, averaging 5 mi/hr with gusts to 24 mi/hr. No recent avalanche activity has been observed or reported. Strong April sun brought temperatures above freezing by 9am yesterday morning. Firm snow surfaces began to soften quickly and by the noon hour, soft corn snow was ripe. Extensive runnels on the snowpack exist up to 9,000 feet. Climbers be climbin' and conditions are good. Firm, supportable conditions can be found from Bunny Flat to Helen Lake. Above 10,000 feet, snow surfaces are a punchy, post hole nightmare. Misery Hill is free of snow. Firm wind packed snow is widespread in many areas up high. Overall, the coverage is fantastic, rockfall low and vibes high!
Congratulations to Jack Kuenzle, a 27-year old extreme athlete and former Navy SEAL who yesterday, in his skivvies, established the fastest known time for a ski ascent/descent of Mount Shasta. His round trip time from Bunny Flat, to the summit, and back down was an unfathomable 2:30:48. His ascent time was 2:04 [Photos: Chris Carr & Jason Koster]
What a long, great trip its been. This winter has been what dreams are made of...some of the deepest powder days of recent history. Storms that just wouldn't stop. And speaking of storms, on Sunday morning, the next system will move onshore. Precipitation will spread inland Sunday afternoon and evening, with the heaviest along the coast range. Lighter precipitation is expected elsewhere. Snow levels will linger near 3,500 to 4,000 feet. In addition, this front will bring breezy winds to the ridge tops across the area. For today, large scale atmospheric flow with a dominant east to west pattern is in place. Sunny sky with normal to above normal temperatures are expected.
