Avalanche Advisory for 2014-02-21 06:56:49

The "storm" of this past week gave us .07 inches of water which translated to just a few inches of snow on the mountain. All of this fell above 6,000 feet. This occured early Wednesday morning and then was followed by strong NW winds averaging 40-50 mph and gusting to 80 mph Wednesday morning. Much of the new snow sublimated on the upper mountain (above 12,000 feet). However gullies, depressions and low lying leeward areas collected some of this new snow and provided for some moments of decent skiing near and above treeline to 12k. Overall, it's a mix between hard, firm conditions, isolated wind slabs and pockets of powder.

Any recent pictures you might have seen of Shasta make it look like conditions are pretty good. I suppose it IS good considering our winter, however in reality, there is only about 1-2 feet of snow on the mountain. Many of the rocks are white and look covered, but this is rime ice and not snow. Anybody wishing to climb this weekend is cautioned: rock and rime ice fall will be a hazard, especially during the warmest portions of the day. A slip and fall on any existing snow, without self-arrest skills, will likely involve sliding into rocks. Not good.

That being said, locals have been having a great time skiing the lower to mid elevation gullies hosting wind blown powder. Still, be careful of shallow buried objects.

Wind event, Feb 19th, 2014...Northwest, averaging 40-50 mph with gusts to 80 mph. [Photo: N Meyers]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some trailheads are still accessible by 4 x 4 vehicle. Be cautious of any overnight trips on the mountain with snow involved. Storms can easily dump large amounts of snow to the area and make it difficult to drive off the mountain! While Northgate, Brewer Ck and Clear Ck trailheads are officially closed, the bathrooms are still open with packout bags inside, and one can still access the Mt Shasta Wilderness. However, your summit pass and wilderness permits must be purchased at McCloud or Mt Shasta Ranger Stations. NO DOGS are allowed in the Mt Shasta Wilderness OR Sierra Club Property. Thanks!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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).

Snowpack:  If 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.