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Green Butte Ridge & Avalanche Gulch

Location Name: 
Green Butte Ridge & Avalanche Gulch
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Thu, 02/08/2018 - 7:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 23' 30.5736" N, 122° 12' 25.092" W
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

  • A wide array of snow surface conditions were observed during a jaunt up to 11,000 feet in Avalanche Gulch 
  • Favorable corn skiing conditions can be found in select swaths of terrain above treeline on E-SE-S and some SW facing slopes.
  • Overall, expect to encounter the full nine yards... rough, wind eroded features; smooth, glazed and icy snow; softer melt-freeze surfaces and various sastrugi formations.
  • Falling rime ice was not observed but many rocks still have chunks of rime stuck to them. 
  • Climbing conditions look good, but remember, it is still Winter. On the upper mountain, sometimes the snow does not soften as the day warms which means for tedious down-climbing. Glissading may not be possible due to firm, icy snow conditions. Wind and weather can move in quickly and pack a punch. Avalanche danger can rise quickly during storms.  Treat Mount Shasta with respect, make safe decisions, be honest with yourself, your skills and especially your groups skills. 

Photos

  • Green Butte Ridge and Avalanche Gulch from 10,000 ft
  • Looking down Green Butte Ridge and Avalanche Gulch from 10,000 ft
  • Casaval Ridge from Helen Lake
  • Aaron strips the skins at Helen Lake, 10,400 ft
  • Smooth, glazed snow surfaces at Helen Lake
  • Smooth, glazed snow surfaces at Helen Lake
  • Very cool wind feature in Old Ski Bowl, off Green Butte Ridge
  • Very cool wind feature in Old Ski Bowl, off Green Butte Ridge

Videos

Weather Observations

Details

  • Windy in the A.M., diminishing by mid-day. Winds were light, with moderate gusts, out of the SE
  • Temps reached near 50 deg F
  • Clear skies

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Blowing Snow: 
No
Precipitation: 
None
Accumulation rate: 
None
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Wind Direction: 
Southeast