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Gray Butte - Propagating Cracks and Wind Slabs

Location Name: 
Gray Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/10/2019 - 3:00pm
Observation made by: 
Professional Observer
Red Flags:
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 21' 4.464" N, 122° 11' 31.3584" W
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Observations on tour of Gray Butte:

  • Small wind slabs and cornices reactive to ski trigger, slabs 6 - 18 inches.
  • Shooting cracks and blocking.
  • No natural avalanches seen near or above treeline.
  • Temperature gradient conducive to faceting, but no signs of faceting down to February 2nd rain crust.
  • Moderate to strong westerly winds transporting snow.
  • Northwest aspects becoming scoured.
  • Above treeline snow surfaces becoming wind affected.
  • Height of snow (HS): 330 cm (130 in).
  • Ski penetration (PS) / boot penetration (PB): 6 inches / 24 inches.
  • Column test results:
    • ECTN12 ↓ 27 cm, ECTN ↓ 26 cm, CT11 ↓ 27 cm BKN, CT 18 ↓36 cm BKN, STMx2 ↓ 90 cm @ 2/2/19 rain crust

Photos

Videos

Weather Observations

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
50% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
None
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Moderate
Wind Direction: 
Northwest