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Location Name: 
Avalanche Gulch
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
11:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
warming

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

Sunny skies and calm westerly winds made for a beautiful tour up Giddy Giddy/Avalanche Gulch today.

  • No recent avalanches or signs of instability
  • Previous wind loading above treeline on S-SE-E aspects but no wind slabs encountered
  • No active wind loading
  • Roller balls and pinwheels on steep SW-S-SE-E aspects up to 10k
  • Zipper crust on southerly aspects up to 8K
  • Despite wind ripples and small wind whales, snow surfaces have remained soft near and above treeline and ski quality is good (ski penetration 20cm)
  • Plenty of low density snow is available for transport

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON March 6, 2018 @ 7:01 am
    Published on March 5, 2018 @ 7:01 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
Location Name: 
Crater Lake
Region: 
Outside of the Forecast Area
Date and time of observation: 
6:00pm
Observation made by: 
Public
Red Flags:
loading

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

We dug 2 pits at 6700' and 7000' on the west aspects we skied. There was around 20" of new snow from the past 3 days. High winds were recorded 3 or 4 days ago. An extendened column test resulted in no fracture (ECTX). 

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON March 5, 2018 @ 7:00 am
    Published on March 4, 2018 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
Location Name: 
Grey Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
11:30pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
wcc
loading

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

During a tour from the top of Coyote at the Mount Shasta Ski Park to the top of Grey Butte:

  • Height of new snow (since 02/28) ranged from 70-95cm
  • Height of snow ranged from 100-220cm
  • No avalanches were observed with visibility up to 10k on the south side of Mount Shasta
  • Multiple whumphs occurred near and below treeline
  • Wind loading has occurred near and above treeline on N-NE-E-SE-S aspect
  • Wind scalloped snow surfaces visible above 8500ft on Mount Shasta
  • Hand pits and stability tests conducted near treeline and below treeline on NE, E, SE, S, SW, W aspects revealed the greatest layer concern to be the new snow/ old snow interface. A layer of .5mm rounding facets sitting just below a crust buried 70-95cm below the snow surface produced sudden collapse fractures in compression tests and inconsistent propagation in extended column and propagation saw tests
  • The new snow was right side up and low-density
  • Ski penetration was 30cm, and boot penetration was 60-80cm
  • A .5cm thin zipper crust formed at the snow surface up to 7500ft  

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON March 4, 2018 @ 6:02 am
    Published on March 3, 2018 @ 6:02 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON March 3, 2018 @ 6:23 am
    Published on March 2, 2018 @ 6:23 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON March 2, 2018 @ 6:28 am
    Published on March 1, 2018 @ 6:28 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON March 1, 2018 @ 6:18 am
    Published on February 28, 2018 @ 6:18 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON February 28, 2018 @ 6:40 am
    Published on February 27, 2018 @ 6:40 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
Location Name: 
McDonald Peak
Region: 
Outside of the Forecast Area
Date and time of observation: 
7:11pm
Observation made by: 
Public
Red Flags:
loading

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

Prior to skiing off the summit of McDonald Peak we decided to take a look at the snowpack. At 7100' on a northeast facing slope we dug a pit and conducted a compression test. The total height of snow was 85cm. Most significant result was a CTMSCQ1 on a 15cm thick layer of facets buried by 45cm of new and wind-transported snow. We were able to dig into this layer in our observation wall with ease, pulling out handfuls of faceted snow. Unfortunately we could not conduct an ECT to test for propagation. Throughout the day we had seen no signs of recent avalanches, no whumping or shooting cracks, and no rapid warming. The wind was still light to moderate but no significant transport of snow. After discussion we decided to ski one at a time on a 28 degree slope about 30m from our pit. Another solo skier had skied a 30 degree slope in the same zone multiple times prior to our CT and yielded no results. We skied 2 laps on McDonald before departing this zone. We determined that our unseasonable shallow snowpack combined with well-below average temperatures is what drove the faceting. 

On a side note, on Saturday 2/24, Southern Oregon University's AIARE Level 1 course dug a pit on a North facing slope just west of Mount Ashland Ski Area at 7,000. The total height of snow was 140cm. We found a faceted layer at around 80cm down that yielded a CTHPCQ2. We assume that this faceted layer is the same layer we saw on McDonald.

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON February 27, 2018 @ 6:38 am
    Published on February 26, 2018 @ 6:38 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON February 26, 2018 @ 7:00 am
    Published on February 25, 2018 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Human triggered wind slab avalanches are possible on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects near and above treeline. Increasing westerly winds may create fresh wind slabs in leeward terrain. MODERATE avalanche danger exists near and above treeline while the danger is LOW below treeline. A rapid warm up today may create the potential for wet loose avalanches on steep sun exposed slopes.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Forecast Discussion

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

24 Hour Weather Station Data @

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft)
Sand Flat (6750 ft)
Ski Bowl (7600 ft)
Gray Butte (8000 ft)
Castle Lake (5870 ft)
Mount Eddy (6509 ft)
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.

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