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Avalanche Forecast for 2021-03-23 06:15

  • EXPIRED ON March 24, 2021 @ 6:15 am
    Published on March 23, 2021 @ 6:15 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger is low. The snowpack continues to transition as melt-freeze cycles begin to take hold. Snow surfaces will offer a bit of everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Be prepared for firm conditions at high elevations. At lower elevations, where temperatures are warmer, keep wet point releases and cornice breaks on your mind. Enjoy the sunny day.

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

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Melt-freeze cycles and battering winds will continue to harden the snowpack. Expect firm conditions. Slide for life conditions could be encountered. Make sure you have sharp edges on your skis and use your ice axe and crampons if ascending into steep terrain.

Reactive wind slabs may still be encountered in isolated areas or in extreme terrain. These will be very small, but could sweep you off your feet and onto an icy slope.

Forecast Discussion

At lower elevations where temperatures are higher, cornice breaks and loose wet avalanches (point releases) should be on your radar. Castle Lake comes to mind. If you are seeing a lot of natural pinwheels and roller balls or you are in ankle deep, wet snow, avoid cornices and steep slopes.

Recent Observations

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The snowpack continues to transition. Yesterday you could find crusts, thin to thick moist snow, rime, chalky wind-affected snow, and scoured icy surfaces. North facing and shady areas still held drier, lower density snow. If you kept your standards low and searched hard, you could still find favorable sliding conditions.

Overall the snowpack is settling and becoming more consolidated. Some reactive wind slabs could still be found, but they were very small and isolated.

Roller balls and pinwheels were seen at lower elevations. A cornice break was observed at Castle Lake.

About half an inch of snow fell Sunday night. Above treeline temperatures peaked at 36 ºF around noon yesterday, but remained mostly in the 20s. Direct sun was softening exposed snow surfaces. Lower elevations such as Castle Lake, saw temperatures reach 40 ºF. Northwest winds were strong at times, though little blowing snow was observed.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

High pressure will swing dry air in from the north. Clouds will diminish this morning. Expect a sunny day with temperatures in the mid-30s near treeline. North winds will be strong to gale force above treeline. A front may bring a bit of precipitation late tomorrow but it's barely worth mentioning.

The one month climate outlook does not give us much hope for a game changing April.

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) 31 31 34
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 19 19 37 28 Snow sensor down
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 14.5 14.5 36 24 86.3 1.2 0.03 0
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 13.5 13.5 32.5 22.5 12 61 NW
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 20 20 42.5 30 77.5 0 1.3
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 18 17.5 37.5 26.5 3 7 SE 76.3 0.5 0
Ash Creek Bowl (7250 ft) 23.5 23 33.5 27 76 0 0.2
Ash Creek Ridge (7895 ft) 12.5 12.5 26.5 19.5 10 37 W

Two Day Mountain Weather Forecast

Produced in partnership with the Medford NWS

For 7000 ft to 9000 ft
  Tuesday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Tuesday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Wednesday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Sunny. Mostly clear. Mostly sunny.
Temperature (°F) 35 23 39
Wind (mi/hr) North 10-15 North 10-15 North 5-10
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
Weather Sunny. Very windy. Low wind chills. Clear. Very windy. Low wind chills. showers after midnight. Mostly sunny. Windy. Low wind chills.
Temperature (°F) 23 13 29
Wind (mi/hr) North 40-50 Northeast 40-50 North 30-35
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) 17.14 34.20 50
Month to Date (since Dec 1, 2024) 3.56 4.70 76
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2024) 13.56 18.99 71

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.