Hello June-uary! Temperatures soared yesterday with a high on Gray Butte (8,000 feet) of 49 degrees F. Wind was apparent over higher ridges, gusty, inconsistent. Overall, it was a gorgeous, warm, spring-like day on the mountain. No avalanche danger was observed.
The snowpack is transitioning to melt-freeze on sunny aspects and smooth snow can be found. Key word here is transitioning...there are still areas of crust and less than perfect sliding conditions. Near and Below treeline, smooth, corn-like snow exists on sunny slopes. Expect some variable crusts in there. Up above treeline, surfaces are wind textured for the most part, with scoured moraines and ridges. That said, coverage is pretty good and the snowpack is well settled. Firm, icy snow exist along the westerly (windward) edge of Green Butte Ridge, fully supportable and good cramponing. The leeward (easterly side) of the ridge consists of chalky wind slabs with ankle deep boot penetration.
The Trinity Chutes and Redbanks rocks are totally plastered in rime ice. A warm day like yesterday, it was probably firing. Rime ice is a legit hazard. Wear a helmet and don't dawdle in the bowling alley if climbing above Helen Lake.
A weak front is pushing into the area this morning, but well to the north of Mt. Shasta. The only thing that will result is slightly cooler temperatures and windy conditions for us. The trough will move east of the area this evening. Low clouds and patchy fog for some west side valley locations is possible. We are in a dry and quiet pattern that could last into at least the middle of next week. Temperatures are cooling today, but will warm back up Friday and Saturday. Expect moderate to strong W-SW wind today above treeline.