Avalanche Advisory for 2015-04-11 06:28:41

The snowpack continues to settle and stabilize. Yesterday, north, south, east and west aspects were tested with extended column tests... the results were only a sore hand (ECTX-no fracture). Four hundred plus pound snowmobiles have also certainly been testing the water over the week with no incidents. Snow depths were 15 to 30 inches consolidated, new snow in the 9,000 to 10,000 foot levels. At 7,600 feet in the Old Ski Bowl, we currently have 88 inches of snow on the ground.

While one might think 2 feet of new snow would provide for some great skiing, in fact the conditions have been variable and less than ideal. While not widespread, a thin crust can be found in open, sun affected areas at lower elevations. Cooler, shadier areas at lower elevations hold heavier powder. Above treeline and on the upper mountain, dryer snow with an occaisonal crust and deeper drifts will be encountered.  Ridge lines are scoured to the old snow in some areas, but not consistent for good ridge climbing and thus post-holing is an issue. It's a mixed bag overall and it will take a week or so for all the new snow to work toward a melt/freeze cycle and corn skiing to return.

We've got the overall avalanche danger as low with no one avalanche problem rearing its head. Use normal caution and make solid observations as you choose your route up and down the mountain. We often see climbers attempting Shasta this time of year and they do not bring a beacon, shovel and probe. We highly recommend having this equipment and knowing how to use it. Wet loose related avalanche activity is common in the spring time on Shasta. Further, a late season storm can quickly cause the avy danger to rise while on your climb. Both The Fifth Season and Shasta Base Camp can rent this equipment if you do not own it.

Climbing Mt. Shasta this weekend:  All routes on the mountain are currently in great shape, however with the several feet of new snow over this past week, post holing will be a problem where significant accumulation has occured. If one chooses to come up onto Shasta, ski's, snowshoes or splitboard are advised! Winter storms are still possible this time of year so please be prepared. Today, the skies are cloudy with light precip/snow expected and increasing winds. This will make summiting unlikely.

Castle Lake and Mt Eddy zones are still hosting a shallow snowpack. All areas below about 6,000 feet in the forecast area are hosting patchy, if any snow with dirt showing around trees and in sunny spots.  For Castle Lake, skiing is out of the question at this point due to lack of snow.

Report your observations to the MSAC! A photo, a few words... send them in! (nimeyers@fs.fed.us or 530-926-9614)

Sand Flat Winter Trails: OPEN, however snow depths are meager and the Lower Sand Flat road is exposed dirt. We recommend heading up to Bunny Flat and touring up the road or anywhere higher in elevation!

Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park: CLOSED due to lack of snow

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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).

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’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.