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Avalanche Advisory for 2017-04-02 06:44:22
- EXPIRED ON April 3, 2017 @ 6:44 amPublished on April 2, 2017 @ 6:44 am
- Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center
Bottom Line
The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations, and natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist, and NORMAL CAUTION is advised. As it warms up throughout the day, be sure to watch for falling rime ice in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta, and for loose wet avalanches on sun exposed slopes 35 degrees and steeper.
Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution
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Aspect/Elevation ?
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Likelihood ?CertainVery LikelyLikelyPossible
Unlikely -
Size ?HistoricVery LargeLargeSmall
As snowpack surfaces warm up by the afternoon, isolated and small wet loose avalanches may be possible on steep sun exposed slopes. If you see roller balls, it’s a good indication that slopes are heating up and it’s time to change aspect or move to lower angle terrain. The sunshine and warm temperatures will also melt the rime ice that is widespread throughout the rock formations in the alpine on Mount Shasta. Falling rime ice in upper elevation terrain is the greatest objective hazard in the advisory area today. Be intentional with your timing as it warms up, and be especially careful of the falling rime ice that threatens Avalanche Gulch.
Recent Observations
Clear and sunny weather made for a beautiful day on Mount Shasta yesterday. Northerly winds above 9000ft were gusty throughout the day, but winds speeds significantly decreased by the afternoon. East, south, and west aspects received plenty of sun and heat, and responded well to the warm up. No concerning wet loose avalanche activity was observed yesterday in the Old Ski Bowl. Four to eight inches of snowpack settlement have occurred over the past 48 hours, and the upper snowpack has experienced good thaws during the days, but only light freezes overnight. Snow surfaces were mostly smooth on all aspects up to 9000ft, with consistent ankle deep boot penetration by noon. Several hard wind textured surfaces were found above 8000ft, as well as unreactive and firm wind pillows on southerly aspects above 10000ft.
Weather and Current Conditions
Weather Summary
Lingering overnight clouds will burn off early this morning, and we are set for a gorgeous spring day on Mount Shasta. Moderate to strong northerly winds are expected above 10000ft, while below, winds will be light and variable. Temperatures will reach close to 50 degrees F by the afternoon at the 6000ft level. Tonight, skies will be mostly clear with decreasing wind speeds at upper elevations. Tomorrow looks to be another clear day full of sunshine.
In Mt Shasta City at 0500, we have a current temperature of 48 F
On Mt Shasta (South Side) in the last 24 hours...
Sand Flat - 6,750 ft, the current temperture is 33 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 30 F to 53 F. Snow on the ground totals 106 inches no new snow and 2 inches of settlement.
Old Ski Bowl - 7,600ft, the current temperature is 36 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 36 F to 51 F. Snow on the ground totals 185 inches with no new snow and 2 inches of settlement.
Grey Butte - 8,000 feet, the current temperature is 36 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 36 F to 49 F. Winds have averaged 5-10 mph mph with gusts to 21 mph, and have been variable in direction blowing from the W, SW, S, SE.
Mt Eddy Range (West side of Interstate-5)...
Castle Lake - 5,800 feet, the current temperature is 36 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 36 F to 53 F. Snow on the ground totals 94 inches with no new snow and 4 inches of settlement.
Mt Eddy - 6,500 feet, the current temperature is 35 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 35 F to 52 F. Snow on the ground measures 88 inches with no new snow and 4 inches of settlement. Winds have averaged 2-4 mph with gusts up to 16 mph, blowing SW, S, and SE.
THIS SEASON PRECIPITATION for MT SHASTA CITY: Since October 1st (the wet season), we have received 49.46 inches of water, normal is 35.57 inches, putting us at 139% of normal. For the month of April, we have received 0 inches of water, normal is .11 inches, which is 0% of normal. And finally for the year of 2017, we received 28.30 inches of water, normal is 20.36 inches, putting us at 139% of normal.
Always check the weather before you attempt to climb Mt Shasta. Further, monitor the weather as you climb. Becoming caught on the mountain in any type of weather can compromise life and limb. Be prepared.
| 0600 temperature: | 33 |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 53 |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | southeast |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 5-10 mi/hr |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 15 mi/hr |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | 0 inches |
| Total snow depth: | 106 inches |
Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast
Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS
| For 7000 ft to 9000 ft | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sunday (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) |
Sunday Night (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) |
Monday (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) |
|
| Weather | Sunny | Mostly Clear | Sunny |
| Temperature (°F) | 45 | 24 | 45 |
| Wind (mi/hr) | North 10-13 mph | North 9-15 mph | North 8-13 mph |
| Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) | / 0 | / 0 | / 0 |
| For 9000 ft to 11000 ft | |||
| Sunday | Sunday Night | Monday | |
| Weather | Sunny and Windy | Mostly clear. Wind chill values as low as -2. Blustery. | Sunny and Windy |
| Temperature (°F) | 23 | 17 | 24 |
| Wind (mi/hr) | Northwest 31-33 mph, Gusting to 50 mph | North 0 | North 40-45 mph, Gusting 70 mph |
| Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) | / 0 | / 0 | / 0 |
