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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-04-02 06:54

  • EXPIRED ON April 3, 2018 @ 6:54 am
    Published on April 2, 2018 @ 6:54 am
  • Issued by Andrew Kiefer - Mt Shasta Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations and NORMAL CAUTION is advised. Watch for slick snow surfaces and falling rime ice in alpine terrain on Mount Shasta.

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 ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist in the backcountry. LOW avalanche danger does not mean NO avalanche danger:

  • Strong solar radiation and warm temperatures can cause loose wet avalanches. Travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep sunlit slopes during the peak heating hours of the day.
  • Small cornices exist on easterly aspects above treeline. They may weaken and fall as the warm and sunny spring weather continues. Avoid traveling on top of or below these formations.

Forecast Discussion

The snowpack has responded well to the strong solar radiation and heat during the past week. All wet loose activity that has occurred has been small and inconsequential. Cooler temperatures and strong winds will likely limit wet loose activity and falling rime ice today. Regardless, if you see roller balls, or if you find the surface snow to be wet and unconsolidated, it’s time to change aspects or move to lower angle terrain. If you venture into the alpine, work to minimize your exposure to icefall with your terrain selection and your timing, and avoid being underneath rime ice formations during the warmest hours of the day.  

Recent Observations

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Yesterday, highs reached the upper 40s at the Old Ski Bowl while temperatures in town hit 64 degrees. Skies remained sunny until the early afternoon when winds picked up and a lenticular cloud formed on the upper mountain. The Gray Butte weather station reported strong to extreme NW winds averaging 15-25 mph with gusts to 63 mph. The south side of Mount Shasta was busy with skiers, snowmobilers and climbers. Smooth corn skiing was found in the morning on southerly slopes below 9,000 ft, while above, snow surfaces remained firm and icy throughout the day. Rime ice exists on alpine rock features. Coverage is good on Mount Shasta with a 4-8 ft deep snowpack found 7,000 ft and higher. The Sand Flat trails are still in good shape with 1-3 ft of coverage. The snowpack is melting quickly in the Pilgrim Creek Sno-Park, Castle Lake and Mount Eddy zones.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

A cold front will exit the region this morning. Skies will start off partly cloudy, becoming mostly sunny by the afternoon. High temperatures for 7,000 ft will be in the lower 40s. Strong northwest winds will continue above treeline for now, but will die down tonight and shift to the west. Tuesday and Wednesday should remain dry. A series of disturbances will bring wet and windy weather Thursday through Saturday.

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 6:00 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) 45 38 64 51.5 4 NW
Sand Flat (6750 ft) station down
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 33.5 32.5 46 38.5 75 0 0 2
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 33 33 45 37.5 16 63 NW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) station down
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 33 31 47 39.5 2 11 SE 41.5 0.6 2
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
  Monday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Monday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Tuesday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Partly cloudy, then becoming sunny Clear Mostly sunny
Temperature (°F) 41 27 48
Wind (mi/hr) NW 10-15 N 5-10 S 0-5
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) / 0 / 0 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather Partly cloudy and windy Mostly clear Mostly sunny
Temperature (°F) 22 22 25
Wind (mi/hr) NW 30-40 NW 0 W 15-20
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) 15.95 35.57 45
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 0.00 0.11 0
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 10.12 20.36 50

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.