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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-02-22 05:54

  • EXPIRED ON February 23, 2018 @ 5:54 am
    Published on February 22, 2018 @ 5:54 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW and NORMAL CAUTION is advised. Firm and icy snow surfaces are widespread and shallow snowpack hazards exist. Minor wind loading will occurr on S-SE-E aspects between 7,500-9,000 ft. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

  • Character ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

NORMAL CAUTION means:

  • Watch for isolated slabs.
  • Ski and ride one at a time in avalanche terrain.
  • Don't regroup in run out zones.
  • Basic avalanche rescue skills are essential in avalanche terrain.

Isolated slabs are related to wind and terrain. Look for areas of drifting snow. This will occur on the lee side of ridges, in terrain depressions, on convex terrain features, and in the lee of isolated bands of trees.

Forecast Discussion

  • Though avalanche danger is low, it will be possible to find small, isolated wind slabs and cornices near the top of easterly aspects. These don't pose much concern, although triggering even a small slide or cornice could knock you off your feet and down a firm, slippery slope.
  • Wind chills will be well below 0 °F today and tonight. Bring appropriate clothing to keep warm.
  • Moraines, ridges, and areas above 9000 ft are very icy. An ice axe and crampons are mandatory if you venture into this terrain. Self arresting on steep slopes will be difficult if not impossible.

Recent Observations

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Cold temperatures and light to moderate winds have left the snowpack unchanged since Monday. The 2-3 inches of new snow from Sunday's storm remains light and dry and can be found below 9000 ft. Above, new snow has been stripped away by winds. Ridges are icy, exposed, and treacherous. Some evidence of wind loading has been seen on easterly aspects of Sun Bowl. This loading is just below the ridge. Below treeline, expect hidden and exposed rocks, chaparral, and forest debris.  The Upper Sand Flat X-C trails are still usable and a skiff of new snow should make classic cross country skiing enjoyable.



Casaval Ridge and the West Face from 10,300 feet. Photo: T Kamp

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

A small winter storm developes today. Northern California sits on the southern edge of this one. This means less snow than areas such as southern and central Oregon. The positive side of things is that cold ambient temperatures will continue and even just a little bit of snow should stick easily. Snow levels will remain at town or lower. An inch or two of snow is expected today with moderate winds on the mountain. Another weak frontal system moves in Saturday bringing ongoing showers through Monday. 

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 4:00 AM

Weather Station Temp (°F) Wind (mi/hr) Snow (in) Comments
Cur Min Max Avg Avg Max Gust Dir Depth New Water Equivalent Settlement
Mt. Shasta City (3540 ft) 28 19 42 32 3
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 11 11 12 12 18 0 0 0
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 10.5 10.5 24.5 16.5 40 0 0 0
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 9.5 9.5 22 15 11 43 NW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 16 15 30.5 21.5 8 0 0
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 14 12 24.5 18.5 2 10 ESE 22 0 0
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) station down
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) station down

Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
  Thursday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Thursday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Friday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Mostly cloudy with snow showers likely Mostly cloudy with snow showers likely Partly cloudy to mostly sunny
Temperature (°F) 25 9 30
Wind (mi/hr) NW 5-10 mi/hr NW 5-10 mi/hr N 10 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 1-2 / 0-1 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather Mostly cloudy, snow likely, cold and windy. Mostly cloudy, snow likely, cold and windy. Partly cloudy to mostly sunny, windy.
Temperature (°F) 3 1 14
Wind (mi/hr) NW 15-25 mi/hr N 1-2 N 20-30 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 1-2 / 0-1 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2024 (the wet season) 10.20 27.60 37
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 0.09 5.33 2
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 4.37 12.39 35

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mount Shasta, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.