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Avalanche Forecast for 2019-04-07 06:50

  • EXPIRED ON April 8, 2019 @ 6:50 am
    Published on April 7, 2019 @ 6:50 am
  • Issued by Ryan Sorenson - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

An atmospheric river event is currently impacting the Mount Shasta area. Expect rising temperatures and snow levels with heavy rain/snow over the next 24 hours. Breezy and wet weather will continue. Considerable avalanche danger exists due to loose-wet, wind slab, and cornice fall avalanche problems. 

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet

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Further saturating layers of the questionable snowpack structure could cause large avalanches today. Loose-wet avalanche danger continues to increase in size and likelihood due to rising temperatures and continued rain and snow. Snow levels could rise as high as 8,600 feet on Mount Shasta in the next 24 hours.  Loose-wet slides often start at a single point and fan out as they move downhill. Additional snow is entrained as these avalanches gain speed and mass. Slopes with a long fetch can allow for large and destructive loose-wet avalanches.

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab

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Fresh wind slab avalanches are possible today. With wind slabs, pay attention to which way the wind is blowing. Expect strong south and west winds today. Wind slabs could grow large above treeline, especially on N-NE-E-SE leeward aspects.  Wind impacts on the snow have been minimal due to the moist nature of this storm. However, immediate warming or rain could cause fresh wind slabs to cut loose.  Large windslabs are likely in steep leeward terrain.

Avalanche Problem 3: Cornice

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Any remaining cornices will likely be brought to their breaking point today as wet and warming weather continues to add weight. Failing cornices may have the ability to trigger loose-wet avalanches or slabs.   

Forecast Discussion

It's wet and wild out there. Avalanche danger could rise quickly with rain on snow near and above treeline today and tonight. Large natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely in steep terrain. 

Recent Observations

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Yesterday rain was observed on Mount Shasta as high as 8,000 feet. Rain and snow showers would move in and out; it would rain one minute then snow the next as clouds and sun holes moved overhead. Light to moderate southwest wind was observed above treeline. Calm foggy conditions existed below and near treeline. Small wind slabs were reactive on the east facing ridgeline of Green Butte. A complex questionable snowpack with many wet and dry mixed layers was observed in a snow pit at 8,000 feet on Mount Shasta. Column test point toward instabilities failing 6 to 12 inches (20-30 cm) down. Low visibility limited observations above treeline. No recent avalanches were observed. 

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

Wet weather will continue with rising temperatures, rain and breezy conditions for the Mount Shasta area.  Two to three inches of water will continue to fall as snow or rain by tomorrow night. Snow levels could rise as high as 8,600 feet tonight. A flood watch is in effect from 11 am this morning through tomorrow afternoon. Wet weather will continue throughout the week.

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) 47 37.5 47 45 5 ESE
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 35 28 35 33 140 2 0 3
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 33 24.5 33.5 30.5 189.7 2.6 1.25 1
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 32 23.5 33.5 30.5 14 31 WSW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 31 29.5 31 30 136.5 0.5 .5
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 35.5 28 37 34.5 2 14 SSE 133.9 1 5
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft)
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft)

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 Rain, windy. Snow levels near 7,800 feet. Rain, windy, Snow levels near 8,600. Rain. Snow levels near 8,600 feet.
Temperature (°F) 40 38 40
Wind (mi/hr) South 15-20 South 15-20 South 10-15
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.16 / 0-2 0.21 / 0-2 0.62 / 0-4
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather Snow, heavy at times, windy, temperatures rising. Snow, heavy at times, windy. Snow/rain, heavy at times, windy, temperatures rising.
Temperature (°F) 30 28 30
Wind (mi/hr) West 35-40 West 2-4 Southwest 40-50
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.16 / 2-4 0.21 / 2-4 0.62 / 2-6

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2024 (the wet season) 37.68 36.16 104
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 2.46 0.70 351
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 29.27 20.95 140

Disclaimer

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