Avalanche Advisory for 2016-01-01 06:02:54

Yesterday made for a beautiful way to end 2015 with crisp sunny skies and mostly calm winds on the South side of Mt. Shasta.  East winds were blocked by the mountain making for pleasant ski/split board touring above treeline.  In an effort to go and search for wind slabs I made my way up into Old Ski Bowl toward Sargents ridge with the intent of skiing Shastarama.  The winds affect on the snow was obvious with notably wind scoured areas, and areas of wind deposit snow.  Snow conditions in areas where snow had been deposited by previous high winds was generally soft, yet variable with some spots of Styrofoam like chalky snow.  The skiing was decent, but better, softer snow was found at and below treeline.  A snow study pit was dug at the base of Sargents ridge at an elevation of 9,150 ft. on a SW aspect with a 20 degree slope.  I dug down to the crust layer from Dec 8th-10th to look at the snowpack structure in an exposed above treeline location.  Firm, wind deposited snow with slight changes in density defining the layers makes up the majority of the snowpack.  There was no evidence of faceting of snow crystals around the crust layer.  An extended column test was performed in two different locations both scoring ECTX.  The wind slab formations at this location were thick and stubborn to fracture while tugging on the column after the ECT was completed.   

That being said , there is still potential to find the right mix of conditions in steep, complex terrain above treeline and below ridge tops in non-typical starting zones where a small wind slab avalanche could be triggered.  Normal caution is advised. Safe travel techniques should be followed.  Only expose one person at a time to avalanche terrain, regroup in "safe" spots out of avalanche paths, avoid terrain traps, and have open communication with in your group.  LOW avalanche danger is not the green light for complacency. Unstable snow on isolated terrain features could still result in an avalanche that could injure, bury, or kill someone. 

Quick Pit Profile from the base of Sargents Ridge 12-31-2015 by Jon Dove:

Harrison skinning up toward Shastarama 12/31/2015-photo: Jon Dove

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The Sand Flat cross country ski trails are in great shape and ready for your cross country skis or snow shoes. These are backcountry trails marked with blue diamonds on trees. Trails are not groomed.  Snow shoers, please blaze a parallel trail to cross country skiers staying out of the skin track. Thank you, and enjoy!

The Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park is open! Trails are being groomed currently. Head to our "Education" tab on our website and find the snowmobile section for trail information, grooming status and other sledder resources!

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.