You are here

Avalanche Advisory for 2018-03-10 06:05

  • EXPIRED ON March 11, 2018 @ 7:05 am
    Published on March 10, 2018 @ 6:05 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

The avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects and NORMAL CAUTION is advised. Watch for falling rime ice off the upper mountain. Shallow buried objects such as rocks and forest debris continue to pose a risk in some areas. 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. Always be on the lookout for isolated wind slabs above treeline. They are generally related to wind and terrain: look for places where small areas of drifting have occurred and firm layers of surface snow overlie softer layers. Often 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

Expect warming temperatures over the next couple days. Sticky snow will keep skiers on their toes, but hopefully not on their face. Signs of avalanche danger have been tough to find. Climbing the mountain this weekend? Once again, watch for falling rime ice and rockfall. 

Recent Observations

Submit Snowpack Observations
Submit Avalanche Observations

Isolated snow showers came in waves during a snow survey outing into the Deadfall Lakes / Eddy Mountains area yesterday. Snow levels were near 5,500 feet. Skies were obscured and low fog shrouded the mountains, keeping visibility poor for most of the day. In the afternoon, the weather began to clear and patches of blue sky could be seen through the clouds. By evening, things had cleared off almost completely. Average snow depth at lower Deadfall Lake was 28.5 inches. A couple inches of moist, new snow rest on top of the old snow surfaces. Roller balls were observed on aspects facing the sunny side of the compass. When the sun did pop out, trees off-loaded snow by dripping like crazy. No old or recent avalanches could be observed. Overall stability in the area was good. Shallow buried objects were abundant.

On Mt Shasta in the last 24 hours:

  • .53 inches of water
  • 1-2 inches of new, wet snow
  • Light winds out of the W/NW

 

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

An upper level low makes its way toward the coast this morning bringing isolated showers to the area. Little to no accumulation can be expected. Any precipitation will likely be concentrated in the mountains due to orographic effects. The low moves off to the north tonight and ridging develops over the area tomorrow. Warm air aloft and sunny skies will provide a warm day Sunday. Monday will be a transition as a strong, westerly moving storm system approaches. South/Southeast wind will pick up and precipitation will likely begin in higher terrain. Overall, next week will be a gradual return to cooler, wetter weather.

 

 

 

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 28 48 39 1 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) station down
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 25.5 21.5 35 27 63 2 0.53 1.5
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 26 22.5 33.5 27 10 25 W
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 30 30 52.5 34.5 26 1 2.5
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 26 21.5 38.5 29 2 9 WSW 40 1 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
  Saturday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Saturday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Sunday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Partly cloudy, isolated rain and snow showers this afternoon. Partly cloudy with isolated rain and snow showers in the evening, clearing overnight. Sunny
Temperature (°F) 42 31 48
Wind (mi/hr) SE 0-5 mi/hr S 0-5 mi/hr E 0-5 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather Partly cloudy with isolated snow showers, breezy. Partly cloudy with isolated snow showers, breezy, clearing Sunny
Temperature (°F) 23 23 29
Wind (mi/hr) SW 5-15 mi/hr SW 0 S 5-10 mi/hr
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2024 (the wet season) 12.52 31.92 39
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 1.63 2.42 67
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 6.69 16.71 40

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.