Avalanche Advisory for 2015-03-06 06:59:10

Stellar corn snow conditions are back, and are primed for your enjoyment!  The few inches of new snow that the mountain received from last weekend's couple of stormy days have smoothed out the snow surface on most aspects.  Consecutive sunny days with gradually warming temperatures during the week have worked their melt/freeze mojo.  The resulting corn snow conditions are hard to beat in terms of winter recreational bliss.  The weather outlook for the coming weekend looks to have warmer than normal temperatures with sunny daytime skies.  Winds will be light, 5-10 mph, and northerly in direction. Freezing levels over night will be relatively high at between 10,000 and 10,500 feet.  Snow at the mountain's upper elevations, above 11,000 feet, will be softening up for good ski descents at around noon.

Observations made yesterday from a ski tour/climb with a high point above the Trinity Chutes revealed smooth corn snow that stayed consistent all the way down to tree line.  The ski descent was started at a little after 2 o'clock in the afternoon and followed the Left Trinity Chute on the SSE aspect near the top of Casaval.  This provided for snow that was just softening up near 13,000 feet at that time.  As we skied our way down the snow conditions improved slightly and remained good for the rest of the ski.  No loose wet snow instabilities were witnessed, but a few roller balls were initiated.  The possibility of any loose wet snow slides will only increase as the days warm up.  While not much of a hazard itself, loose wet snow slides could potentially knock a person off their feet and push them into undesirable terrain.  Normal caution is advised.

For folks that plan on climbing Mt. Shasta this weekend weather conditions will be perfect.  Route conditions on Casaval Ridge, Sargents Ridge, and Avalanche Gulch are ideal.  That being said, there are some objective hazards to be noted.  Snow surfaces will be firm and smooth in the early morning hours and will make for "slide for life" conditions should one slip and fall.  Ice fall from rime ice that still partially covers the Red Banks and other rock outcroppings is happening, even in the early morning hours.  A helmet, crampons, and a mountain axe are necessary equipment and should be used.

Photos below:
Top: Forrest Coots boot packing up to the Catwalk on Casaval Ridge on 3/5/2015 [Photo: Jon Dove]
Bottom: Hanne Meyers on the Catwalk, Casaval Ridge on 3/5/2015 [Photo: Jon Dove]

                                     
Castle Lake and Mt Eddy zones are still hosting shallow snowpacks. All areas below about 6,000 feet in the forecast area are hosting patchy snow with dirt showing around trees and in sunny spots.

Report your observations to the MSAC! A photo, a few words... send them in! (nimeyers@fs.fed.us or 530-926-9614)

Castle Lake area has a shallow snowpack. Skiing is out of the question at this point due to lack of snow. 

Sand Flat Winter Trails: OPEN, trail conditions are firm and getting thin with some tree debris on snow surface. 

Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park: OPEN, however due to lack of low elevation snow, one must drive up the road several miles before enough snow is encountered. One CANNOT DRIVE over Military Pass. Snowmobiling is not recommended due to low snow depths.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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.

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