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Avalanche Forecast for 2021-03-13 06:20

  • EXPIRED ON March 14, 2021 @ 7:20 am
    Published on March 13, 2021 @ 6:20 am
  • Issued by Nick Meyers - Shasta-Trinity National Forest

We are several days after a storm, the winds have died off and many users are into the stepping out mindset. It's the classic low likelihood, high consequence situation. Storm instabilities have past, but large, thick and hollow wind slabs can be found out there and while triggering one is becoming less likely, the sheer size of a potential slab could be large and in charge. The avalanche danger is low below treeline and moderate near and above.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

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

Forecast Hotline: (530) 926-9613

Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slab

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Expect to find existing wind slabs on SE-S-SW-W-NW facing slopes loaded by NE winds. Slabs are several feet thick and hollow. Some easy pit test failures under the wind crust and cracking was observed on wind-loaded test slopes yesterday, but no wind slab avalanches were reported. Pay attention to pillows of wind drifted snow, ripples on the snow surface or other wind textures. These can help identify where slabs exist. Triggering a wind slab is becoming less likely, but of high consequence due to size. Additional wind loading today should be minimal.

Avalanche Problem 2: Loose Wet

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Keep watch for loose roller balls and pinwheels forming on those south and east aspects greater than 35 degrees, below and near treeline. Low elevation slopes will experience the most warming. Wet loose avalanches can become large enough to cause problems for people in terrain with long, steep slopes. On aspects where the snow is colder, sluffs of unconsolidated dryer snow is possible. Terrain traps such as cliffs, rocks and trees exacerbate consequences. If you see signs of wet snow forming, it's a good time to look for colder snow on more shaded aspects, or move to lower angle terrain.

Recent Observations

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  • A beautiful, full blue sky day yesterday all around the area. Snow depth on the mountain near treeline is 89 inches, still settling inches by the day. Mean temperature over the past 24 hours is 30° F, with a low of 19.5° and a high of 38.5° at treeline. Over on the west side, the snow depth is 76 inches on average. The west side has observed generally less storm snow than the mountain during this past storm. Mean temperature is 35° with a low of 25° and a high of 49°.
  • We've had helter-skelter wind over the past several days. The same day we had howling wind on Mt. Shasta, skiers reported virtually no wind in the Gumboot Basin area. Overall, when and where it has been windy, the predominant direction has been east/northeast, loading those south and west aspects.
  • Deep, hollow wind drifts over 2 feet thick have been observed on the mountain near and above treeline. A several inch, firm wind crust caps off soft, fist hard snow below. 
  • Loose roller balls have been active on those south and east facing slopes, even in the late AM hours.
  • Various crusts will be found, along with some lingering powder. Snow conditions are becoming variable. Cold snow never lasts very long around here these days.
  • No recent avalanches reported withing the past 24 hours.
  • Numerous rocks lurk beneath the snow surface. Recreational users have reported ski and snowmobile damage.
  • Climbing the mountain is arduous at this time due to deep, unconsolidated snow and very deep wind drifts.
  • Yesterday's observation with photos here.
  • A group of Carter Meadows skiers reported a few point releases and rollerballs. A sugary layer of snow between the new snow and old crust was observed and would produce easy hand pit failures, but didn't manifest in avalanche behavior. They skied slopes up to 35 degrees.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

Another beautiful day of weather expected. Afternoon highs will be above normal. Wind will be light for most areas, though still blustery on the upper mountain. Wear that sunscreen! For the near future, a winter weather advisory is up from the National Weather Service from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning above 4,000 feet. Snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches is likely with locally up to 12 inches in areas. Souths wind could gust as high as 35 mi/hr.

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) 27 26 54 39 2 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 18 11 37 25 Snow sensor down
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 27 19.5 38.5 30 89.2 0 0 2.2
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 30.5 22.5 36.5 30 4 31 SE
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 31.5 25 49 35 76.6 0 1.5
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 23.5 23.5 37.5 31 2 5 WSW 11.6 0 0
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) 24 15 24 19 78.2 0 0.9
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) 25 15 33 25 5 17 WNW wind sensor rimed

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 Sunny Increasing clouds Snow, mainly after 10am. Temperatures falling, windy. Snow level near 4,100 feet and dropping.
Temperature (°F) 42 26 30
Wind (mi/hr) West 0-5 South 0-5 South 15-20
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.07 / 2-3
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Saturday Saturday Night Sunday
Weather Sunny, blustery Increasing clouds and wind Snow, mainly in the afternoon. Windy.
Temperature (°F) 28 25 25
Wind (mi/hr) North 5-10 West 5-10 Southwest 35-45
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.07 / 0

Season Precipitation for Mount Shasta City

Period Measured (in) Normal (in) Percent of Normal (%)
From Oct 1, 2024 (the wet season) 15.44 32.37 48
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 1.86 2.87 65
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 11.86 17.16 69

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.