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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-03-06 06:56

  • EXPIRED ON March 7, 2018 @ 6:56 am
    Published on March 6, 2018 @ 6:56 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

Shallow wind slabs may form in isolated areas above treeline on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects today. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely. The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations.

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.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab

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Plenty of snow is available for transport, and westerly winds may create wind slabs above treeline on S-SE-E-NE-N aspects. Evidence of recent wind loading and the presence of wind slabs have been hard to find. That could change rapidly if westerly winds increase more than expected. Today, watch for blowing snow, hollow sounding snow and small cornices/wind lips as evidence of recent wind loading. Avoid the potential wind slab problem by sticking to sheltered or wind-scoured areas.

Forecast Discussion

The snowpack has adjusted well to recent storm snow. No avalanches occurred on Mount Shasta during or following the storm, and no obvious signs of instability have been observed over the past 3 days. Shallow wind slabs may form in leeward terrain above treeline if westerly winds pick up today. Roller balls and pinwheels may continue on steep southerly slopes, but are not expected to pose a significant avalanche concern. A series of warm storms should begin late tomorrow night bringing continued precipitation through the weekend.

Recent Observations

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Yesterday brought blue skies, warm sunshine and highs in the low 40s. Variable winds remained calm throughout the day. As of 3 am this morning, winds have organized to the WNW and increased in speed with a max gust of 21 mph recorded at the Grey Butte weather station.

The new snow is right side up and well bonded to itself and the old snow surface. No wind slabs were visible on the south side of Mount Shasta during a tour to 9,800 ft in Giddy Giddy/Avalanche Gulch yesterday (View Observation). Previous wind loading had occurred above 8,000 ft on S-SE-E aspects leaving rippled and wavy snow surfaces. No active wind loading occurred yesterday. Roller balls and pinwheels occurred on steep SW-S-SE aspects but did not pose a concern. A thin sun crust formed on steep southerly slopes up to 8,000 ft as well.

Observations from Ash Creek Butte, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy have been limited. The Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park is open and has been recently groomed. Shallow snowpack hazards still likely exist in all three of these zones.

    Weather and Current Conditions

    Weather Summary

    High pressure remains over the region. Expect sunshine today with increasing cloud cover in the afternoon. Highs will reach the mid 40s and light westerly winds will continue. The pattern will transition tomorrow as the first in a series of disturbances arrives from the southwest. Precipitation should begin late tomorrow afternoon with 2-4 inches of snow expected above 5,000 ft by Thursday morning. Snow levels will rise to 7,000 ft by the end of the week as rain and snow showers continue Thursday and Friday.

    24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 6:00 AM

    Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
    Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
    Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft) 24 17 46 32 1 N
    Sand Flat (6750 ft) station down
    Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 31 14 55 31 60.5 0 0 2
    Gray Butte (8000 ft) 30.5 13 31 25 4 21 WNW
    Castle Lake (5870 ft) 31.5 20 41 30.5 30 0 .5
    Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 27 10 34 25 3 6 WSW 46 0 1
    Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) station down
    Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) station down

    Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

    Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

    For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
      Tuesday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)     		Tuesday Night
    (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.)     		Wednesday
    (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
    Weather Sunny with increasing clouds Mostly cloudy Partly sunny and breezy. 80% chance of snow showers after 4pm.
    Temperature (°F) 42 36 41
    Wind (mi/hr) E/NE 0-5 mi/hr E/SE 5-10 mi/hr S 10-15 mi/hr
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0-1
    For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
      Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
    Weather Sunny with increasing clouds Mostly cloudy Partly sunny and breezy. 80% chance of snow showers after 4pm
    Temperature (°F) 23 22 25
    Wind (mi/hr) SW 10-20 mi/hr S/SW 0 S 20-30 mi/hr
    Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0-1

    Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

    Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
    From Oct 1, 2023 (the wet season) 12.20 30.77 40
    Month to Date (since Apr 1, 2024) 1.31 1.27 103
    Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 6.37 15.56 41

    Disclaimer

    This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.