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Avalanche Gulch

Location Name: 
Mount Shasta
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 02/27/2021 - 11:30am
Observation made by: 
Forecaster

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 22' 26.616" N, 122° 13' 25.2264" W
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

It was extremely windy today. Large plumes of blowing snow were streaming from the upper mountain. Snow surfaces are a mixed bag of textures. Below treeline host breakable melt-freeze crusts in protected areas. Firm supportable surfaces dominate as well as chalky previously wind-transported snow. Near and above treeline terrain is very wind affected and largely scoured. Firm windboard and sculpted sastrugi features exist on the remaining ribbons.

  • Observation Location: Avalanche Gulch
  • Elevation: 6900 to 8,000 feet
  • Date: 02272021
  • Time: 1100
  • Observer: Ryan Sorenson
  • Sky Conditions: Few (FEW) cirrus clouds. 
  • Current Precipitation: NO
  • Air Temperature: 32 °F
  • Surface Penetration: Ski penetration (PS) = 0-2 in (0-5 cm)
  • Total Snow Depth (HS): 75 in (190 cm)
  • Wind Direction: NNW 
  • Wind Speed: Extreme (X), > 38 mi/hr, gale-force winds were recorded on Gray Butte all day. Blowing snow was observed even in the trees during strong gusts. 

Photos

  • Sculpted sastrugi features near treeline
  • Westerly aspects are scoured
  • Looking up Avalanche Gulch
  • 75 in (190 cm) at Horse Camp

Weather Observations

Details

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Speed: 
Gale Force
Wind Direction: 
North