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Avalanche Advisory for 2013-12-13 07:11:58

  • EXPIRED ON December 14, 2013 @ 7:11 am
    Published on December 13, 2013 @ 7:11 am
  • Issued by -

If we are going to play by the "books", Winter officially begins on December 21st at 12:11pm EST... That being said, I suppose we can't complain that we have a 0-7 inch, salt and pepper snow pack currently.

Snow sports are on hold. If any skiing is possible, it would be on a select few of Mt Shasta's glaciers and the avalanche danger is low...very low. Hardly worth mentioning and only for the mentally, and physically toughest of souls!  

Waiting for snow!

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

  • Character ?
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  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
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It is hardly worth mentioning, however since there is not much else to talk about, the avalanche danger on any of the glaciers, I can say with certainty, is low...very low. Skiing on Mt. Shasta's glaciers at this time is rough, icy and any new snow from the weeks past is likely gone. Any skiing on the glaciers would be above 10,000 feet and not for the faint of heart!



 

Recent Observations

Mt. Shasta and mountinous areas west of I-5 look like giant heaps of salt and pepper. Patchy snow, 0-7 inches deep was found in the Bunny Flat area yesterday. The Everitt Memorial Highway, past the locked gate at Bunny Flat, is covered in snow and would allow cross-country skiing for 3 miles up into the Old Ski Bowl parking lot. The Sand Flat winter trails are also covered in a small amount of snow and folks have been xc-skiing out there as well. The west side has less snow. I was able to drive all the way to Cedar Lake a few days ago and walked the remaining distance into Cliff Lake. Ice skating was good here, with a couple inches of light density snow on top of solid, smooth ice. Castle Lake is partially frozen and no skiing being had there currently.


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.  Avoid cornices, rock bands, terrain traps and runout zones of avalanche paths.

Weather:  Most of our areas avalanche danger will occur 24-48 hours after a storm. We still can see persistent weak layers from time to time and we always will be sure to let you know about that!  Heed the basic 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

    In Mt Shasta City this morning at 0500, we have mostly clear skies with a current temperature of 31F.


    On Mt Shasta (South Side) in the last 24 hours...


    Old Ski Bowl - 7,600 feet, we have no new snow overnight or in the last 3 days, with snow depth total around 7 inches. The current temperature is 26F with a high of 38F and a low of 26F.


    Gray Butte - 8,000 feet, the current temperature is 26F. Temps have ranged from 26F to 37F. Winds have average 12mph WNW with gusts to 35 mph from the NW at 2300.


    Castle Lake and Mt Eddy (West side of I-5)... 


    Castle Lake - 5,600 feet, the current temperature is 31F with a low of 31F and a high of 42F. No new snow has been recorded overnight or in the last 3 days.


    Mt Eddy - 6,500 feet, the current temperature is 33F with a low of 27F and a high of 40F. Winds have been calm, 0-5 mph with gusts to 7 mph, southerly in nature.


    THIS SEASON:  Since September 1st, we have received 2.81 inches of water. Normal is 10.85 inches, putting us at 25% of normal. For the month of December, Mt Shasta has received .23 inches of water with normal being 2.82 inches, which is 8% of normal. For the year, Mt Shasta has received 9.99 inches of water, normal is 38.18 inches, putting us at 26% of normal for 2013.


     

    CURRENT CONDITIONS at Bunny Flat (6950 ft)
    0600 temperature: 32
    Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 38
    Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: West/Northwest
    Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 12 mi/hr
    Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 35 mi/hr
    New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
    Total snow depth: 0-7 inches

    Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

    Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

    For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
      Friday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
    Friday Night
    (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.)
    Saturday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
    Weather Mostly Sunny Mostly clear Sunny
    Temperature (°F) 38 27 48
    Wind (mi/hr) North/Northwest becoming North/Northeast 5-15 mph East 5-10 East 5-10
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
    For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
      Friday Friday Night Saturday
    Weather Sunny, windy Mostly clear Sunny
    Temperature (°F) 34, windchill to -5 24 41
    Wind (mi/hr) North 25-35 North 0 West/Northwest 10-20
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0

    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.