Yesterday was a clearing day, the day after the storm(s). The season opening storm cycle that began on 12/11/21, brought 48+ inches of snow at treeline on Mt. Shasta. That's 4 feet folks, and in some wind loaded areas, more. A brief hiatus in the storms took place late on the 13th, but then kicked back in on the evening of the 15th. Superb, southerly flow turned on the Shasta snow machine for the tail end of the cycle and brought 1-2 feet of additional, low density snow.
Prior to all of this, most of the Shasta area had little to no snowpack, so yes, we've gone from zero to hero. The only areas that held any notable snowpack before this storm cycle was above 8,500 feet on Shasta itself. Now, we are in full winter mode and while many obstacles are still just barely hidden, most everything is well covered. With a little settlement, we should be looking pretty good for the season. And with next week looking stormy, stoke is high. For the next day or so, be careful carving too deep on your sled or skis. Hard, hidden objects still lurk in the low density, bottomless snowpack. All the new snow is...DEEP.
No recent avalanches or signs of danger were observed yesterday. Much of the snowpack has good anchoring from earthly objects. Several inches of settlement has already occurred with a little low angle, California sun. This will continue today with the warm-up expected.
We've had a good bit of action over the past week. The next couple of days will mellow out and give us all a chance to get those driveways, sidewalks and patios dialed in. Today will be clear and dry, though expect valley clouds. Daytime high temperatures will hover in the low 30s below treeline and in the mid 20s near and above treeline. West-Northwest wind will be light to moderate. More precipitation and an active weather pattern will commence Sunday.
