Avalanche Advisory for 2016-03-29 06:29:04

Blustery north winds, scattered clouds, and occasional snow showers kept things firm throughout the forecast area yesterday.  Folks who went on a ski tour up at Castle Lake reported scoured, firm snow conditions with "dust on crust" in some areas.  Small wind deposits of up to 6 inches in depth on the leeward side of trees, rocks, and ridge tops were also noted.  The snow did not soften up at any point, and no recent avalanche activity was witnessed.  There is a slight chance of small wind slab release potential in isolated NW-W-SW-S-SE-E facing wind loaded areas, but it is unlikely that enough snow would be entrained to be a hazard.  The lake itself is still frozen solid with only the far northwest corner near the rock buttress showing liquid water.  

For today, most concern will be for loose wet snow instabilities such as roller balls, pinwheels, and point release loose wet slides on southerly facing aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper.  Continued moderate to strong northerly winds may limit the distribution of loose wet instabilities, but caution should still be taken around steep, southerly aspects today.  The avalanche danger for loose wet avalanches will increase tomorrow, and the following days as temperatures increase and the sun shines.  There may be potential for the developement of small wind slabs near and above treeline.  Look for them on the leeward aspects noted above. 

The wind affected snow surface above Castle Lake and near the top of Middle Peak 3/28/2016:

A note for all climbers and skiers heading up onto the upper mountain: Rime ice has formed on most rock outcroppings and is currently very thick. As warm days ensue, rime ice will flake off and fall down onto the slopes below. Rime ice chunks can be very large and very hard, enough to potentially kill you or cause serious injury. Beware of this hazard. Keep your eyes up slope as you climb and move laterally to avoid falling chunks of ice.  If continuous ice fall is encountered turn around and descend to climb another day!

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LOCAL AREA ROAD, NORDIC, AND SNOWMOBILE PARK STATUS:

The Sand Flat cross country ski trails are in good shape and ready for your cross country skis and snow shoes.  These are backcountry routes marked with blue diamonds on trees.  Trails are not groomed.  Snow shoers, please blaze a parallel trail to cross country skiers staying out of the skin track.  These trails can be accessed via the Everett Memorial Highway.  Thank you, and enjoy!

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is open! These beautiful, groomed trails can be accessed via the Ski Park Highway. http://www.mtshastanordic.org

The Pilgrim Creek & Deer Mountain Snowmobile Parks are open!  Trails have not been groomed in the past week and a half due to constant deep snow fall.  Head to our "Education" tab on our website and find the snowmobile section for trail information, grooming status, and other sledder resources.

The Castle Lake Road is OPEN. The Everett Memorial Highway is OPEN. The Castle Lake and Everett Hwy are plowed year round to the trailheads. The roads are not always first priority, so your dawn patrol powder mission might be ceased if the plow has not made it up yet. Siskiyou County does a great job keeping the roads clear and be respectful of the plow drivers if you encounter them. If you get to Bunny Flat before or during when the plow is there, please park on the uphill, LEFT side of the parking lot as you drive in. This is uphill and lookers right of the bathrooms. Thank You!

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