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Avalanche Advisory for 2014-04-11 06:57:05

  • EXPIRED ON April 12, 2014 @ 6:57 am
    Published on April 11, 2014 @ 6:57 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Overall, LOW avalanche danger exists for all aspects and elevations on Mt Shasta. The avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE for all elevations on  E - SE - S - SW aspects in response to above freezing overnight temperatures and warm daytime highs. Small to medium size human triggered loose wet avalanches are possible during the warmest portions of the day. Natural avalanche activity is unlikely but not impossible.

Carry a beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them!

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

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

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

Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet

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Spring sun with warm daytime highs and above freezing overnight temperatures will allow for loose wet snow instabilities like roller balls, pinwheels, and loose wet snow sluffs to occur today. While most of these loose wet avalanches should remain too small to bury a person, they could still push a person into an area with undesireable consequences or where terrain traps exist. Larger slab avalanches remain unlikely today; however, they are not impossible. Loose wet snow avalanches can start small and entrain more snow as they move down the hill. Expect wet loose activity during the mid-day hours and/or warmest portions of they day on E - SE - S -SW facing slopes. Pay attention to who is above and below you, whether you're skiing or climbing. As climbers and skiers flock to Mt Shasta for good spring conditions, this will play a factor. It would be quite easy for a skier to trigger a wet loose slide on top of climbers.


 

Avalanche Problem 2: Normal Caution

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Recent Observations

We had up to 16 inches of settlement since last weekend, though snow still exists all the way down to Bunny Flat. Conditions are in their prime for skiing and climbing on Mt Shasta. The corn skiing crop is coming into full bloom currently and in the coming week. Elevation, aspect and night/daytime temps will be variables that need to be considered to catch it right! If you ski from the summit, somewhere in that 7K feet you will get some good snow, but probably also some firm/icy snow and/or soft and gloppy stuff. Talk to the rangers or ask a local where the best turns are to be had as it changes daily!

The biggest concern regarding the avalanche danger will be wet loose snow instabilities. These could be in the form of roller balls and pinwheels which usually don't pose a threat. Larger wet loose or "slush" avalanches can and do occur on Mt Shasta during warm spring conditions and are of the most concern. Typically, these types of slides will start small and entrain more snow as they move down the hill. They will generally move much slower than a dry slab avalanche, however can still easily bury a person, especially when terrain traps are involved. Expect wet loose activity during the mid-day hours or warmest portions of they day on E - SE - S -SW facing slopes. It's not often we see climbers trigger wet loose slides, however we do see skiers trigger them. It could easily be the case, with increased crowds on Shasta this spring, that we see a skier trigger a wet loose slide on top of a climber(s). SO, be mindful of people all around you. Look above and below you and have keen situational awareness. We can all play together out there and be safe, if you pay attention.

Spring time brings us the possibility of corn snow, powder or rain.  Remember it is possible for spring storms to dump impressive amounts of snow and/or rain.  Most of the avalanche activity associated with these spring storms occurs during or shortly after the storm event.  Timing is critical when playing in avalanche terrain.

If during the warmer parts of the day you see signs that the surface snow is getting warm, such as snowballs rolling down the slope or you find the snow is sloppy enough that you sink in to your boot tops, it would probably be a good idea to play it cool and find another slope to play on or under, or call it a day. If this does happen, avalanches can be triggered.  If the snow only freezes at night, an early start will be imperative.  The snow does soften quickly and will become increasingly unstable throughout the day as it is warmed by solar radiation.  If the snow is soft early in the morning due to a lack of freezing overnight, it is probably a good idea to play another day.

NO DOGS ALLOWED IN THE MT SHASTA WILDERNESS. Also, The Sierra Club Foundation manages their property under the Mt Shasata Wilderness rules - so you cannot bring dogs on foundation property either. PLEASE RESPECT THE RULES. THANK YOU! There are many places you CAN take your dogs on the mountain. Take a look at the map at the trailhead. Any areas outside the wilderness boundary/sierra club land are fair game.
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For climbers, conditions have been excellent on all routes. Be sure to also check the CLIMBING ADVISORY on our webpage. The season for climbing Mt Shasta is going to be shifted forward this year. On a normal year with ample snow on the ground, good climing conditions usually start in April and can go all the way into July sometimes. This year is not the case...the best conditions to climb Shasta this year will be NOW through April and potentially May. The extent of good climbing conditions will hinge on our Spring weather. More snow could potentially extend the season and warm days with shining sun will shorten it. While the mountain looks like it's got a thick blanket of snow on it, in reality there is only about 2-5 feet of snow on the ground, depending on aspect and elevation. Good climbing conditions, in general, means snow on the mountain. As the snow melts, rockfall increases and a climb of Shasta becomes more dangerous. All in all, sooner than later will be best for climbing Shasta. Check the climbing advisory on our webpage also!

PLEASE NOTE: Snow conditions on most routes are smooth and firm, especially in the AM hours. Conditions as such have lead to accidents due to slip/falls and failure to self arrest. A slip and fall on smooth, firm and sometimes icy snow can result in a slide for life on the steeper slopes of Mt Shasta. Self arrest skills with an ice axe and proper crampon use are essential for a safe climb. Do not under estimate the importance of proper knowledge and skills with your ice axe/crampons/self arrest techniques. Further, an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe are recommended for any climbers attempting Shasta currently. Lastly, with snow on  mountain, the rockfall danger has been low. However, rime ice can plaster exposed rocks on Shasta this time of year. As the days warm, the rime ice will flake off and fall onto climbers below, especially on the Avalanche Gulch route. Ice is like a rock and a HELMET should always be worn.

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North and East side TRAILHEADS: (Check out the CLIMBING ADVISORY for more information)

Northgate: OPEN - One may drive all the way to the trailhead currently. Summit pass/wilderness permit/human waste packout bags are available at the trailhead. 4wd is not necessary to get to the TH, however a sports car is not recommended as the road is a bit rough in sections.

Brewer Creek: CLOSED - Currently (as of 4-11-14), vehicles can make it .6 miles past the 19 road, which leaves about 16 road miles to the trailhead. Pick up your summit pass/wilderness permit/human waste packout bags at the Mt Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations.

Clear Creek: CLOSED - Currently (as of 4-11-14) one can drive .1 miles past the 31 road currently, which leaves 2.4 road miles to the trailhead. Pick up your summit pass/wilderness permit/human waste packout bags at the Mt Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations.

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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.

The Five Red Flags of Avalanche Danger any time of year include:  1) Recent/current avalanche activity  2) Whumpfing sounds or shooting cracks  3) Recent/current heavy snowfall  4) Strong winds transporting snow  5) Rapid warming or rain on snow.

 


 

    Weather and Current Conditions

    Weather Summary

    In Mt Shasta City this morning at 0500, we have clear skies with a current temperature of 42F.

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

    Old Ski Bowl - 7,600 feet. The Old Ski Bowl weather station has no new snow in the last 24 hours. The current temperature is 42F with a low of 41F and a high of 54F. Total snow depth is 59 inches with 16 inches settlement since last weekend.

    Gray Butte - 8,000 feet - The current temperature is 43F. Temps have ranged from a low of 42F to a high 52F.  Winds have been averaging 9 mph and westerly in direction with gusts to 21mph from the WNW.

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

    Castle Lake - 5,600 feet, the current temperature is 48F with a low of 46F and a high of 63F. Castle Lake has received no new snow and hosts a current snowpack of 5 inches with 3 inches settlement at the weather station since last weekend.

    Mt Eddy - 6,500 feet, the current temperature is 38F with a low of 37F and a high of 55F. Mt Eddy has received no new snow and the current snow depth total is 20 inches with little settlement. Winds have averaged 4 mph, with gusts to 8 mph, out of the WSW.

    THIS SEASON: Since September 1st , we have received 13.77 inches of water, normal is 37.25 inches, putting us at 36% of normal. For the year of 2014, Mt Shasta has received 10.95 inches of water with normal being 21.37 inches which puts us at 51% of normal. And lastly, for April we sit at 48% of normal, receiving .54 inches of water, normal is 1.12 inches.

    WEATHER SYNOPSIS:

    Nothing inclement to note for this weekend! Sunny, warm and light to moderate wind will host these next three days of April. Northwest flow and associated winds will pick up slightly on Sunday, but for the most part, should be manageable on the upper mountain. Freezing levels at night will hover around 9,000 to 10,000 feet. The biggest concern for this weekend will be warm temperatures, day and night, which could cause wet loose avalanche instability on sun warmed slopes.

    Always check the weather before you attempt to climb Mt Shasta. Further, monitor the weather as you climb. Becoming caught on the mountain in any type of weather can compromise life and limb. It is not uncommon for late season storms to arrive and create winter conditions on Shasta.  Be prepared.

    CURRENT CONDITIONS at Bunny Flat (6950 ft)
    0600 temperature: 42
    Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: 54
    Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: Westerly
    Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: 9 mi/hr
    Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: 21 mi/hr
    New snowfall in the last 24 hours: 0 inches
    Total snow depth: 59 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 Scattered clouds in AM, clearing and becoming sunny Partly Cloudy Sunny
    Temperature (°F) 65 33 63
    Wind (mi/hr) Calm, becoming southwest 5-10 mph Southwest 5-10 mph, becoming light and variable North/Northwest 5-15mph, increasing to 15-25 mph with gusts higher
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
    For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
      Friday Friday Night Saturday
    Weather Sunny Partly Cloudy Mostly clear
    Temperature (°F) 44 23 42
    Wind (mi/hr) Southwest 5-15 mph West 0 Northwest 15-25 mph
    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.