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Storm conditions on Mount Shasta, Green Butte southeast aspect

Broken skies observed near treeline
Location Name: 
Storm conditions on Mount Shasta, Green Butte southeast aspect
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Sat, 04/06/2019 - 2:30pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 21' 46.9836" N, 122° 12' 54.0072" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Two to three inches of new wet snow was observed at 8,000 feet at treeline on Green Butte. Rain was observed on Mount Shasta as high as 8,000 feet at 1400 (04.06.2019). Small wind slabs were reactive on test slope near the bottom of the steep middle east facing ridgeline of Green Butte. Surface textures were variable from smooth, sticky, wet new snow to icy exposed ridgelines. 

  • 20190406 @ 1400 hrs - Sorenson - Mount Shasta, Green Butte to 8,000 below, near and above treeline during the storm
  • SKY: Obscured 100%, foggy, visibility < .25 mile
  • PRECIP: Snowing/raining lightly, < 1in/hr, raining below 8,000 feet, 
  • BLOWING SNOW: yes, in isolated, exposed areas above treeline 
  • AIR TEMP: 32 °F @ 8,000 feet
  • SURFACE PEN: Ski 1-2 inches; Boot: 6-24 inches. Punchy moist to wet snow atop soft dryer layers all atop old wet layers.  
  • Height of New Snow (HN): 2-3 inches
  • Column test results: 
    • CT11 ↓ 7 inches (20 cm) RP
    • CT15 ↓ 11 inches (30 cm) RP
    • ECTP 15 ↓ 11 inches (30 cm) Q1

Photos

  • 2-4 inches of new over mostly supportable crust near Bunny Flat 7,000 feet
  • Near treeline 7,600 feet Green Butte (note: wind erosion and settlement around tree pointing NE)
  • foggy, visibility < .25 mile
  • Pit on southeast aspect 8,000 feet Green Butte
  • Pit on southeast aspect 8,000 feet Green Butte

Weather Observations

Details

A wet spring storm blew this morning bringing rain and high snow levels at about 8,000 feet.  Light winds were blowing out of the south/southwest. Some blowing snow was observed during snow squalls. Temperatures were trending warmer at 1400. Rain and snow showers would move in and out; it would rain one minute then snow the next as clouds and sun holes moved overhead. 

Statistics

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