Avalanche Advisory for 2014-01-18 06:30:31

A few tracks were observed on the road in the Sand Flat winter trails area yesterday. While someone could potentially scoot around on cross-country skis in that area, the snow pack is THIN! Rocks and dirt will be encountered and with the above freezing temps due to inversions we've been seeing, the snow won't last long!

Above Bunny Flat along the trail to Horse Camp, a couple inches of snow covered the trail.

I havn't heard how the ice skating has been...mountain biking though, good!

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A couple local boys got after it on 1-16 and were able to find some turns in Cascade Gulch! They quoted the adventure as, "Fairly smooth, chalky snow..." and, "Pretty fun day actually..."! They proved that skiing is not just limited to the glaciers, but possible in a few of Shasta's gullies that are filled in. They began their ski from the Shasta/Shastina saddle and were able to ski to Hidden Valley. The two had to de-ski only a few times for short rock sections. One must walk from Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley.

Otherwise, sunny skies and high pressure continues, a bit of a broken record these days! The area received no new snow over the week and recreation without snow is still the soup de jour.

Photo: Chris Carr

Photo: Chris Carr

Photo: Chris Carr

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All trailheads are still accessible by vehicle. Be cautious of any overnight trips on the mountain with snow involved. Storms can easily dump large amounts of snow to the area and make it difficult to drive off the mountain! While Northgate, Brewer Ck and Clear Ck trailheads are officially closed, the bathrooms are still open with packout bags inside, and one can still access the Mt Shasta Wilderness. However, your summit pass and wilderness permits must be purchased at McCloud or Mt Shasta Ranger Stations. NO DOGS are allowed in the Mt Shasta Wilderness OR Sierra Club Property. Thanks!

Beyond the gate at Bunny Flat and the Sand Flat Winter Trails, we have 3 inches of new snow on a hard road surface! A few cross-country skiers went out yesterday. With the sunny and clear weather expected, most of this snow will likely melt of quickly.

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Below are a few aerial pictures taken during the middle of December. Conditions look much the same currently.

Aerial photo of the South side of Mt. Shasta, taken 12-18-13. (Photo: H Meyers)

The North Side of Mt. Shasta with the Hotlam Glacier in center, Hotlam/Wintun ridge left, Shastina to the far right. Taken 12-18-13. (Photo: H Meyers)

The East side of Mt. Shasta, taken 12-18-13 (Photo: H Meyers)

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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 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.