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Avalanche Advisory for 2013-11-21 08:20:04

  • EXPIRED ON November 22, 2013 @ 8:20 pm
    Published on November 21, 2013 @ 8:20 pm
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The Mt Shasta Avalanche Center issued its last advisory of the 2012/13 season on April 7th, 2013. We will start issuing intermittent advisories if conditions warrant. We should start our regular advisories in early December.

In the mean time:
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No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

Recent Observations

Terrain:  Remember most of the terrain that we like to play on is greater than 30 degrees.  Avalanches are possible on anything steeper than 30 degrees, especially wet snow avalanches.  Avoid cornices, rock bands, terrain traps and runout zones of avalanche paths.

Weather:  When there are storms in the fall, they can bring impressive amounts of rain, snow and wind.  This can greatly increase the avalanche danger during and after storms.  Heed the signs: Wind (significant snow transport and depositions), Temperature (rain/snow/rain/snow, which in turn weakens the snowpack), and Precipitation (Snow or rain add weight and stress to the current snowpack).

SnowpackIf snow accumulates, give the snowpack a chance to adjust to the new snow load before you play on or near steep slopes (greater than 30 degrees).  Most direct action avalanches occur within 24-48 hours of recent snowfall.  Watch for obvious signs of snowpack instability such as recent natural avalanche activity, collapsing of the snowpack (often associated with a “whumphing” sound), and shooting cracks. If you see these signs of instability, limit your recreation to lower angle slopes.

Human Factor: Don’t forget to carry and know how to use avalanche rescue gear. You should NOT be skiing or climbing potential avalanche slopes without having beacons, shovels, and probes.  Only one person in a group should be exposed to potential avalanche danger at a time.  Remember, climbing, skiing, and riding down the edge of slopes is safer than being in the center.  Just because another person is on a slope doesn’t mean that it is safe.  Be an individual!  Make your own decisions.  Heed the signs of instability: rapid warming, “whumphing” noises, shooting cracks, snowing an inch an hour or more, rain, roller balls, wind loading, recent avalanche activity.


 

    Weather and Current Conditions

    Weather Summary

     WEATHER STATIONS

    Current weather station information is available if you click the "conditions" tab and then the desired weather station.

    THIS SEASON:  

    Disclaimer

    This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.