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  • EXPIRED ON December 19, 2017 @ 6:55 am
    Published on December 18, 2017 @ 6:55 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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.

12-17-17 General Conditions & Climbing Information

Submitted by akiefer on Sun, 12/17/2017 - 10:18am
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 18, 2017 @ 6:51 am
    Published on December 17, 2017 @ 6:51 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 17, 2017 @ 6:31 am
    Published on December 16, 2017 @ 6:31 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 16, 2017 @ 6:42 am
    Published on December 15, 2017 @ 6:42 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 15, 2017 @ 6:20 am
    Published on December 14, 2017 @ 6:20 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 14, 2017 @ 6:20 am
    Published on December 13, 2017 @ 6:20 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 13, 2017 @ 6:21 am
    Published on December 12, 2017 @ 6:21 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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: 
Parks Creek Road and Mount Eddy Area
Region: 
Mt Eddy
Date and time of observation: 
4:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
warming

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

It was possible to drive to 6,400ft on the Parks Creek road in a 4x4 vehicle yesterday. Continuous snow cover on the road begins near the 6,000ft level. The Mount Eddy area has 1-1.5ft of snow in shaded areas 6,500ft and above. Many southerly slopes and below treeline areas are not holding any snow.

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON December 12, 2017 @ 6:40 am
    Published on December 11, 2017 @ 6:40 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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: 
Ash Creek Butte/East Side of Shasta
Region: 
East of Mt Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
9:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
warming

Location Map

Snowpack Observations

Details

During a snowmobile tour out to the Ash Creek Butte Weather stations yesterday, it was possible to ride from 5500ft to 7500ft on and off roads. The height of snow ranged from 40-60cm 6000ft and above, but some south facing slopes and many wind exposed areas near ridgelines were completely snow free. The short winter days and low angle of the sun in the sky, along with the temperature inversions, have kept snow surfaces in shady lower elevation areas east of the mountain cold and mostly dry. Boot penetration ranged from 0-15cm and the thin snowpack was very supportable. Riding off roads took careful route selection as there were plenty of shallowly buried objects to avoid.

Weather Observations

Statistics

  • EXPIRED ON December 11, 2017 @ 6:52 am
    Published on December 10, 2017 @ 6:52 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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.

12-09-17 General Conditions & Climbing Information

Submitted by nmeyers on Sat, 12/09/2017 - 6:37am
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 10, 2017 @ 6:09 am
    Published on December 9, 2017 @ 6:09 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON December 9, 2017 @ 5:57 am
    Published on December 8, 2017 @ 5:57 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON December 8, 2017 @ 6:30 am
    Published on December 7, 2017 @ 6:30 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON December 7, 2017 @ 6:45 am
    Published on December 6, 2017 @ 6:45 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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 Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON December 6, 2017 @ 7:00 am
    Published on December 5, 2017 @ 7:00 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
  • EXPIRED ON December 5, 2017 @ 6:57 am
    Published on December 4, 2017 @ 6:57 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger continues throughout the advisory area. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread, and climbers should exercise caution in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch in effect Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.

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

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.
Location Name: 
Natural Avalanches in Sun Bowl
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of avalanche (best estimate if unknown): 
2:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain
Obvious avalanche path

Location Map

Avalanche Observations

Details

Three natural wind slab avalanches were observed on the south and southeast aspects of Sun Bowl today. The avalanches were all destructive size 1 – not large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person. The crown height was 1ft deep for 2 of the 3 avalanches, and these two avalanches both failed at the old snow/new snow interface. The third avalanche failed within new snow, and had a shallow crown height of 5 inches. The avalanches were 40-60ft wide and ran for 50-70ft downslope. They were naturally triggered by wind loading and occurred on convex slopes 35 degrees and steeper in above treeline terrain.

Northwest winds actively loaded leeward terrain throughout the day. The wind slab problem was observed on E-SE-S aspects near and above treeline and ranged from 1-2ft in thickness. In addition to the avalanches, shooting cracks were observed on SE aspects near treeline in Sun Bowl as well (see photo).

Ski tracks in wind exposed areas near and above treeline refilled rapidly (within minutes) due to wind transport today. The height of new snow was 6” in terrain between 7000-9000ft.

Characteristics

Avalanche Type: 
DrySlab
Aspect: 
Southeast
Terrain: 
Above Treeline
Weak Layer: 
Old Snow
Bed Surface: 
Old Snow

Weather Observations

Details

Moderate to strong northwest winds remained steady throughout the day.

Statistics

Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Strong
Wind Direction: 
Northwest

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