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Snowpit and Obs from Grey Butte

Location Name: 
Snowpit and Obs from Grey Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/24/2018 - 11:30pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
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' 3.744" N, 122° 11' 29.4756" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

  • Storm produced .85" SWE and 25 to 30 cm (10-12 in) of new snow above 7,500 feet in a 12 hour period (0700 - 1900 hrs)
  • Boot penetration: 40 cm (15 in) / Ski Penetration: 10 cm (4 in) at base of Grey Butte, west side
  • Fresh cornices and small wind slabs were easily triggered in micro terrain along the north ridge of Grey Butte, near and above treeline
  • Loose-dry avalanches were also easily triggered within top 10 cm of fresh snow on slopes steeper than 37 degrees, below and near treeline on Grey Butte
  • Storm slab characteristics were observed primarily near treeline, though no storm slabs were observed or triggered
  • No recent, natural avalanches were observed. Visibility was poor.

Photos

  • Small loose dry avalanche off north ridge of Grey Butte
  • minor cracking within new snow, below treeline, on skin up to Grey Butte
  • minor cracking within new snow, below treeline, on skin up to Grey Butte
  • Additional small loose dry avalanche off north ridge of Grey Butte
  • Shallow wind slab, easily triggered

Weather Observations

Details

  • Snow heavy at times
  • Winds light and variable below treeline. Light to moderate near treeline, west/southwest. Moderate winds above treeline, west/southwest
  • Temperature 23 degrees F, mid-afternoon

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
Snow
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Static
Wind Speed: 
Light
Wind Direction: 
Southwest