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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-03-27 06:12

  • EXPIRED ON March 28, 2018 @ 6:12 am
    Published on March 27, 2018 @ 6:12 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. Warming weather will cause snow surfaces to transition today. Exercise normal caution and continue to watch for isolated wind slabs and loose wet activity.

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: Normal Caution

  • Character ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
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Generally safe avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. LOW avalanche danger does not mean NO avalanche danger:

  • Watch for isolated wind slabs above treeline on SW-SE aspects where small areas of drifting have occurred and firm layers of surface snow overlie softer layers.
  • Warm weather and solar radiation may cause small loose wet avalanches on S/E facing slopes. To avoid, travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep sunlit slopes.

Forecast Discussion

The snowpack is in a state of transition from increasing temperatures and solar radiation. Backcountry travelers should expect to find a mix of moist heavy snow surfaces, sun crusts, and melt-freeze crusts.

If powder is what you seek, you may still encounter it today above treeline and on northerly aspects near treeline, but it won't linger for long.

Recent Observations

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Over the last 24 hours, temperatures near treeline have remained near 30 °F except for a brief spike of 56 °F late yesterday morning.

Gray Butte weather station reports calm variable winds over the last 24 hours, though observed winds above treeline were northerly and strong. Snow transported by this wind was sublimating. No significant snow deposition was seen.

No winds slabs were observed near or above treeline. Some small cornice formations were seen on easterly aspects.

Aside for roller balls on southern and eastern aspects, no signs of instability have been seen. Snow pack is right side up, new snow is well bonded to old snow, and stability is good. Snow surfaces are turning moist and sun and melt-freeze crusts can be found on sun exposed surfaces. Northerly aspects are still holding cold dry snow.

See the most recent observation for details.

 

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

High pressure continues to dominate. Expect warm dry conditions through the end of the week. Today, highs will be near 50 degrees at 7000 ft. Above treeline, N winds will average 25-30 mi/hr.

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 4:00 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) 38 27 51 40.5 4
Sand Flat (6750 ft) station down
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 31 13.5 56 28.5 90 0 0 1
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 27.5 13.5 30.5 23.5 4 18 ESE
Castle Lake (5870 ft) station down
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 33 16 35 29 2 13 SE 52.5 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. Mostly clear. Mostly sunny.
Temperature (°F) 50 32 53
Wind (mi/hr) N 5-10 mi/hr N 5-10 mi/hr N 10-15 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather Sunny. Mostly clear. Mostly sunny.
Temperature (°F) 33 31 32
Wind (mi/hr) N 25-30 mi/hr N 0 N 30-35 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2023 (the wet season) 15.95 34.79 46
Month to Date (since Apr 1, 2024) 5.06 5.29 96
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 10.12 19.58 52

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.