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12-30-17 General Conditions & Climbing Information

Submitted by nmeyers on Sat, 12/30/2017 - 6:54am
General Message: 

Hello, and thank you for visiting. You have arrived at the best place on the internet for avalanche, climbing and weather information for Mt. Shasta.

General Conditions

Winter conditions exist on Mount Shasta, and the Climbing Ranger program has switched focus to the Avalanche Center. Avalanche advisories have begun and these daily reports will be the best resource for current conditions on the mountain.

  • EXPIRED ON December 31, 2017 @ 6:06 am
    Published on December 30, 2017 @ 6:06 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 30, 2017 @ 6:00 am
    Published on December 29, 2017 @ 6:00 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 29, 2017 @ 6:44 am
    Published on December 28, 2017 @ 6:44 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 28, 2017 @ 6:16 am
    Published on December 27, 2017 @ 6:16 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 27, 2017 @ 7:00 am
    Published on December 26, 2017 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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: 
Hotlum-Wintun Approach
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
9:30pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

It was possible to drive to the intersection of the Brewer Creek Road and Military Pass Road today. The riding on the Brewer Creek road to the trailhead was easy going. Coverage is very thin below 6,000ft, though. The height of snow ranged from 30-100cm between 6,500-9,500ft on the Brewer Creek road up to the base of the Hotlum-Wintun Snowfield.

Between 6,5000-7,800ft on north and east aspects, 20-25cm of low-density snow (the December 3rd and December 20th storms) sits on top of the Thanksgiving rain crust. These specific areas are shady, cold, and wind-protected and have preserved the December snow, and have kept it light and dry. Below treeline on north and east aspects, the top 20-25cm of the snowpack has also started to facet. This recycled powder made for fun turns in the trees.

The Thanksgiving rain crust is rockhard, and has locked up the lower snowpack. Near and above treeline, this rain crust is the most widespread snow surface and is very firm and icy. Skiing and riding conditions were very poor above treeline today.

No signs of instability were observed.

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON December 26, 2017 @ 7:00 am
    Published on December 25, 2017 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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: 
Old Ski Bowl
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
7:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

-HS 1-3ft

-4 inches of cold and dry snow from the recent storm still exists on shady north facing slopes near treeline and below treeline

-Icy patches are widespread near and above treeline

-No signs of instability 

Weather Observations

Statistics

Location Name: 
Castle Lake
Region: 
Castle Lake
Date and time of observation: 
10:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:

Location Map

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON December 25, 2017 @ 6:45 am
    Published on December 24, 2017 @ 6:45 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 24, 2017 @ 6:28 am
    Published on December 23, 2017 @ 6:28 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 23, 2017 @ 6:38 am
    Published on December 22, 2017 @ 6:38 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 National Park
Region: 
Outside of the Forecast Area
Date and time of observation: 
7:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
loading

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

In the Garfield Peak area between 6400-8000ft, the height of the snowpack ranged from 80-130cm. The height of new snow by the end of the day measured 40-50cm. Natural dry loose sluffs were observed in steep north facing terrain dropping down to Crater Lake. Evidence of wind loading was easy to find near ridgelines. Stability tests found a density break within the new snow that produced resistant planar fractures and no propagation. Plenty of rocks and sticks were exposed and the overall snow coverage felt thin. The skiing was good on open low angle slopes with smooth ground cover.

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON December 22, 2017 @ 6:22 am
    Published on December 21, 2017 @ 6:22 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 21, 2017 @ 2:50 am
    Published on December 20, 2017 @ 2:50 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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 December 20, 2017 @ 7:00 am
    Published on December 19, 2017 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger and normal caution continue. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Sparse coverage and firm and icy slopes present significant travel hazards on Mt Shasta. 

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

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

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: 
Old Ski Bowl, Grey Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
10:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

Coverage above the gate on the Everett Memorial Highway is getting thin. A few patches of bare road were exposed today. Two trees have also fallen down, but are easily passible. A good trail made for an easy ride to the base of the west face of Grey Butte, where the height of snow ranged from 40-60cm. Above 9k in the Old Ski Bowl, snow height ranged from 80-100cm. Our snowpack is an isothermal mass that has refrozen solid. It is comprised almost entirely of melt forms  - clustered rounded grains and melt freeze crusts. These dominate the snow surface form as well. Wind eroded snow can also be found at the snow surface. Very firm and supportable snow surfaces were widespread throughout the terrain. Snowpack stability was very good today. Southerly slopes below 10K softened with direct sunlight. The corn riding was pretty good by December drought standards.

Weather Observations

Statistics

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