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Avalanche Advisory for 2017-04-05 06:13:17
- EXPIRED ON April 6, 2017 @ 6:13 amPublished on April 5, 2017 @ 6:13 am
- Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
Bottom Line
Overall avalanche danger today is LOW at all elevations. NORMAL CAUTION is advised. Expect high winds in the alpine region. Falling rime ice continues to be the primary concern for skiers and climbers venturing above treeline on Mount Shasta. A winter storm starting late tomorrow will bring up to 3 inches of water and possibly 2 feet or more of snow above 4400'.
Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution
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Character ?
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Aspect/Elevation ?
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Likelihood ?CertainVery LikelyLikelyPossible
Unlikely -
Size ?HistoricVery LargeLargeSmall
Avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations. Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely.
Though winds and cloud cover will probably keep the snow pack cool above 9000', falling rime ice is still a concern. If you are climbing high into the alpine region today, time your ascent and descent to avoid peak warming periods. Choose your route to minimize exposure and wear a helmet.
Proficient ice axe and crampon skills are essential as surface snow is smooth and firm above 9000'. A stumble below Red Banks could lead to a fast long ride back down to Helen Lake if you can't self-arrest.
Recent Observations
There is not much new to report from the backcountry. Conditions yesterday along Scott Camp Creek above Methodist Camp were soft with some corn snow to be found. Snow was sticky by 1:00 p.m. If you find yourself at lower elevations along a creek, expect to do some route finding to remain on snow. Snow depth near Scott Lake (elevation 5960') averaged about 100 inches, so there is still plenty of snow in the Castle Lake area.
There was no overnight freeze up to at least 8000' and with today's continued warm temperatures, snow conditions will likely be similar to the last couple of days. If skiing is your mission today, get out by late morning for the best snow.
Weather and Current Conditions
Weather Summary
Today will bring the last day of spring-like weather. Expect mostly cloudy weather and temperatures up into the low 50's near and below treeline.
Get some rest tomorrow as temperatures drop and clouds increase. Then grab those powder skis back out of the closet and get ready for winter again. A low pressure system developing off the north coast will swing a river of moisture into the area beginning late tomorrow night. Up to 3 inches of water will flow into the area by Sunday. Snow levels will drop to 4400' Thursday night as the storm system moves in. That much water coupled with low snow levels could produce over 2' of snow.
In Mt Shasta City at 0500, we have a current temperature of 46 F
On Mt Shasta (South Side) in the last 24 hours...
Sand Flat - 6,750 ft. The current temperature is 38 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 32 F to 47 F. Snow on the ground totals 102 inches with no new snow and 2 inches of settlement.
Old Ski Bowl - 7,600ft. The current temperature is 35 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 34 F to 48 F. Snow on the ground totals 182 inches with no new snow and 1.5 inches of settlement.
Grey Butte - 8,000 feet. The current temperature is 34 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 34 F to 41 F. Winds have averaged 10 mph with gusts to 28 mph, blowing mostly from the west.
Mt Eddy Range (West side of Interstate-5)...
Castle Lake - 5,800 feet. The current temperature is 40 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 40 F to 56 F. Snow on the ground totals 93 inches.
Mt Eddy - 6,500 feet, the current temperature 38 degrees F. Temperatures have ranged from 38 F to 45 F. Snow on the ground measures 85 inches with no new snow and 1 inch of settlement. Winds have been variable averaging 2 mph with gusts up to 11 mph.
THIS SEASON PRECIPITATION for MT SHASTA CITY: Since October 1st (the wet season), we have received 49.46 inches of water, normal is 35.92 inches, putting us at 138% of normal. For the month of April, we have received 0 inches of water, normal is .46 inches, which is 0% of normal. And finally for the year of 2017, we received 28.30 inches of water, normal is 20.71 inches, putting us at 137% 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: | 38 |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 47 |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | West |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 10 mi/hr |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 28 mi/hr |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | 0 inches |
| Total snow depth: | 102 inches |
Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast
Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS
| For 7000 ft to 9000 ft | |||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Wednesday (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) |
Wednesday Night (10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) |
Thursday (4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) |
|
| Weather | Partly sunny. | A 30 percent chance of snow after 11 pm. Mostly cloudy. | Snow likely. Chance of precipitation is 70%. |
| Temperature (°F) | 54 | 34 | 43 |
| Wind (mi/hr) | South then Southwest 15-25 | South southwest 15-20 | South southwest 15-20 |
| Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) | / 0 | / <1 | / 1-2 |
| For 9000 ft to 11000 ft | |||
| Wednesday | Wednesday Night | Thursday | |
| Weather | Partly sunny. | A 40 percent chance of snow after 11pm. Mostly cloudy. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible. | Snow likely. Cloudy. Chance of precipitation is 70%. |
| Temperature (°F) | 30 | 24 | 25 |
| Wind (mi/hr) | South southwest 31-46 mph | South southwest 0 | South southwest 56-62 mph |
| Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) | / 0 | / <1 | / 1-2 |
