Avalanche Advisory for 2016-04-13 06:29:05

The cooling trend mentioned yesterday is happening... temps are already 10-15 degrees cooler than yesterday. About .5 inches of water fell yesterday, mostly in the AM hours and with a brief shot in the afternoon. Snow levels were high, so mostly rain on snow occurred except for the upper mountain that likely received a shallow coating. Lightening storms were visible to the south of Mt Shasta in the evening, but nothing locally. 

Significant instability has not been observed in the forecast area. Small loose wet slides off the southeast aspect of Casaval Ridge, below 10,000 feet, have been noted over the week, but nothing large enough to bury a person. One loose wet made it down into Climbers Gully, but still didn't host enought snow to cause concern for backcountry travelers. With the temperatures falling below freezing last night and further cooling today and tomorrow, loose wet slides will not be a concern. Some rain on snow has put even a further dampener on the chance of loose wet activity. Snow levels have been about 9 to 10,000 feet for much of the week. Some high elevation snow has occurred, but it has not accumulated enough to prompt concern for new wind and/or storm slab avalanches.

That said, we've got snow levels dropping over the next 48 hours with 5 to 10 inches of snow possible. That IS enough snow, accompanied by moderate to high southwest winds, to cause concern for climbers and skiers this weekend. WIth some fresh snow on the mountain and the skies turning blue on Friday, backcountry users are going to need to be aware of the hazards of this scenario. New wind slabs will be the primary concern. Be sure to check the avalanche advisory before you head up onto the mountain this weekend. Pay attention to mother natures signs of instability. Recent avalanche activity is one of the best signs that avalanches are possible. If you plan on climbing this weekend, a beacon, shovel and probe are highly recommended. If your a backcountry skier, this might seem like a no brainer. However in the Spring, we see climbers come up all the time sans beacon, shovel and probe. Get the gear, get the training, get the forecast, get the picture and stay out of harms way!

Small loose wet point releases off Casaval Ridge below 10,000 feet - 4.11.16 - Photo: C Carr / Shasta Mtn Guides

Climbing Conditions: Current climbing conditions are good to great. Steadily increasing temperatures this week with overnight lows above freezing will not allow a solid snow re-freeze at night. This could mean post-holing at lower elevations.  At higher elevations (11,000 feet and above), however, snow will refreeze better and be firm in the morning hours making crampons (and ice axe) necessary equipment.
Below are some things to think about when planning your trip this Spring:

1. Avalanche Danger & Weather: You may encounter a variety of snow conditions during the spring time.  Late season storms can bring fresh snow and high winds to the mountains. Avalanche danger can quickly spike due to new wind and storm slabs on top of icy, firm melt/freeze snow. Further, warm and sometimes downright hot days can create loose wet avalanches. Low danger in the cool morning hours may rise rapidly to higher danger during the afternoon hours on sunny aspects. These are two different avalanche problems associated with different weather patterns with both being possible during the same week, or even the same day. A beacon, shovel and probe continue to be essential, even during Spring time. Always check the avalanche advisory before starting your climb, and call the ranger station for the latest in weather and conditions. Spring time weather patterns can bring it all.  The point is... you need to bring the appropriate attire to accommodate all weather conditions. Snow, rain, sun, wind... you can count on all of it on Shasta at some point during Spring time. Further, Mt Shasta can often host a cloud cap creating poor visibility conditions. DO NO climb into a white-out. It is very easy to wander off the WRONG side of Mt Shasta when on the upper mountain, >12,500 feet. This can create a long day and perhaps night for climber, party members, rescue resources and family. Play it safe. 
2. Firm and smooth snow (slide for life conditions): Snow conditions on Mount Shasta are great right now. That being said, the snow in the morning hours is very firm and very smooth. These types of conditions have caused serious injury in the past to those who slip, trip, or fall and fail to self-arrest as they slide.  You MUST know how to self-arrest with an ice axe. This is one of your best defenses for a safe trip on Mt Shasta. Practice this and other climbing skills on small, short slopes in soft snow. If you fall, you must immediately self-arrest or you will take a long, sliding, tumbling fall resulting in serious injury or death. Along with your solid ice axe skills, know how to walk/climb with crampons on.  It is easy to catch the front points of the crampon on the cuff of your pant leg resulting in a fall if you are not careful with each step.
3. Rime Ice:  What is rime ice? Rime ice forms on rocks, towers, etc. as super cooled water droplets freeze upon contact with a solid object. The ice grows into the wind taking on a cauliflower like appearance. The exposed rocks on Mt Shasta at higher elevations are currently plastered in rime ice. This hazard will diminish as the ice flakes off on warm days, but until then... HEADS UP! You absolutely should wear a helmet if climbing. As the days warm, chances increase of getting hit by falling ice until all of it falls off.

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LOCAL AREA ROAD, NORDIC, AND SNOWMOBILE PARK STATUS:

The Sand Flat cross country ski trails are in good shape still and ready for your cross country skis and snow shoes.  These are backcountry routes 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.  These trails can be accessed via the Everett Memorial Highway.  Thank you, and enjoy!

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Center is CLOSED for the season. http://www.mtshastanordic.org

The Pilgrim Creek & Deer Mountain Snowmobile Parks are open, however snow is dwindling fast at these locations. One had to drive down the 19 road (Military Pass) a mile or so to get to consistent snow before unloading just a few days ago. Head to our "Education" tab on our website and find the snowmobile section for trail information, grooming status, and other sledder resources.

The Castle Lake Road is OPEN. The Everett Memorial Highway is OPEN. The Castle Lake and Everett Hwy are plowed year round to the trailheads. The roads are not always first priority, so your dawn patrol powder mission might be ceased if the plow has not made it up yet. Siskiyou County does a great job keeping the roads clear. Be respectful of the plow drivers if you encounter them. If you get to Bunny Flat before or during when the plow is there, please park on the uphill, LEFT side of the parking lot as you drive in. This is uphill and lookers right of the bathrooms. Thank You!

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