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Avalanche Forecast for 2020-02-13 05:49

  • EXPIRED ON February 14, 2020 @ 5:49 am
    Published on February 13, 2020 @ 5:49 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Avalanche danger is LOW. Sunny and clear weather will prevail with moderate southwesterly wind. Firm conditions exist above treeline. Bring an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet if ascending high into the alpine. Beware of falling rock and ice along climbing routes.

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 ?

Use your common sense in the backcountry. Carry the proper equipment for avalanche rescue: a beacon, shovel, and probe. Expect firm conditions above treeline. Bring an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet if ascending steep slopes. Warmer temperatures could dislodge rime ice spackled on exposed rocks causing it to trundle down upon you. Watch for rockfall as well from exposed areas like The Heart.

Recent Observations

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In the last 24 hours, the forecast area has received no new snow. Temperatures have been mostly above freezing, ranging from 33.5 to 44°F at treeline. Winds have been light to moderate and variable in direction.

You've probably got the message by now... wind from the past few weeks has really done a number to our tired and worn out snowpack. Below treeline, old tracks and rain runnels dominate. Protected, southerly slopes hold some softer corn snow. Near and above treeline, firm and icy conditions prevail. Exposed dirt patches have been scoured by wind in select areas. Dirt and debris have begun to collect in gullies. Climbing conditions have been good for cramponing, but watch for rock and ice fall as well as smooth snow surfaces presenting likely slide-for-life conditions without self-arrest. No signs of avalanche instability have been seen.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

High pressure is weakening this morning, but this front moving onshore today and subsequent shortwave troughs over the next couple days will remain mostly to our north. Higher passes in the Cascades may see very light snow accumulation near Diamond and Crater lake areas. For Shasta, it will remain high and dry today/tomorrow with light to moderate southwesterly wind. This weekend, a stronger and moist frontal system will spread over the area. We should see a bit of precipitation, but most of the action will again stay to the north of us.

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 5:00 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) 24 24 57 39 2 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 27 27 44 34 49 0 0 0
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 38.5 33.5 44 37.5 65 0 0 0
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 39 33 40 38 6 25 ENE
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 38.5 31 46 39 30.5 0 0
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 32 29.5 43.5 37 2 11 WSW 46 0 0
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) down
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) 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 Sunny Mostly clear Mostly sunny
Temperature (°F) 43 24 43
Wind (mi/hr) South 5-10 West 5-10 North 5-10
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather Sunny Partly cloudy Mostly Sunny
Temperature (°F) 28 23 25
Wind (mi/hr) Southwest 10-20 West 20-30 Northwest 25-35
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2024 (the wet season) 12.90 25.17 51
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 0.12 2.90 4
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 3.97 9.96 40

Disclaimer

This forecast does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This forecast expires 24 hours after the posted time unless otherwise noted.