New storm snow: Obs from South Side of Mount Shasta

20180118 - 1400 hrs

Bunny Flat - 6,950 ft

Sky: X - Obscured

Precip: SN / S-1

Wind: C

HST: 15 cm / 6 in

Snow level: 5,600 ft

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(See illustrated photo for 8,200 ft snow/weather observation)

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NOTES:

• A chilly day with a nice dose of new snow.
• Observed 6 inches of new snow at Bunny Flat and 8-12 inches above 8,000 ft.
• New snow was uniform in distribution below 8,500 ft, transitional to 9,000 ft and uneven above. Existing icy snow surfaces were observed on exposed SW-W-NW facing moraine tops and ridgelines.  Ice patches were rock hard and severely scoured. 
• The wind (westerly) was absolutely howling above 9,000 ft. It sounded like a freight train from lower elevations. During a few brief donut holes in the clouds, extreme wind transport was visible on the upper mountain. Below and near treeline, wind speeds were calm to moderate.
• Above treeline, wind loading was evident on all NE-E-SE aspects with drifts up to 35 cm / 13 in deep. Some drifts are likely deeper.
• Evidence of the wind slab problem was minimal below and near treeline, with poor slab characteristics. 
• Above treeline, wind loading was widespread. Slab characteristics were better. Still, stability tests could not produce any notable results within new snow at 8,200 ft pit location.
• No recent avalanches were observed. Visibility was limited to just a few minutes here and there, in and out of the clouds.
• Bonding at new/old snow interface was very good.
• Many obstacles (mainly rocks) now buried and lurk beneath snow surface. This will be a serious hazard for the near future.