Avalanche Advisory for 2014-03-02 07:39:07

Visibility was limited yesterday so upper mountain observations were limited to just over 9000ft. wind effect was apparent on the firm and partially scoured ridglines. There was a report from Friday afternoon of a cornice release on sergents that ran a couple hundred feet, likely due to the temperature spike that afternoon. Visibility has been mostly obscured and the upper mountain has not been seen since Friday afternoon/evening but wind has definitely been pushing around new snow and we can expect wind slabs, cornices and some natural activity to have taken place up there.

There was a slight crust beneath the new snow yesterday morning from the surface of Wed-Friday's snowfall, it should break down at lower elevations but may be something to keep track of where it extended higher than 8500ft. Hopefully the warm temps will break it down in the next few days. It was about 2.5 inches below the surface at 8000 ft yesterday at 11.

The density changes that have been observed as weak interfaces have been gaining strength and are becoming less of a concern with time and increasing temperatures. This being said they are still present in preserved areas that have didn't feel the brunt of the warming on Friday and when more weight is added they could become a concern in isolated areas. This morning they should be between 12 -24 inches down.

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Some trailheads are still accessible by 4 x 4 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!

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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.