Green Butte Ridge & Avalanche Gulch

Location Name:

Region:

Mt. Shasta

Date and time of observation:

Thu, 02/08/2018 - 7:00pm

Observation made by:

Forecaster

96067 Mount Shasta , CA

United States

41° 23' 30.5736" N, 122° 12' 25.092" W

California US

A wide array of snow surface conditions were observed during a jaunt up to 11,000 feet in Avalanche Gulch
Favorable corn skiing conditions can be found in select swaths of terrain above treeline on E-SE-S and some SW facing slopes.
Overall, expect to encounter the full nine yards... rough, wind eroded features; smooth, glazed and icy snow; softer melt-freeze surfaces and various sastrugi formations.
Falling rime ice was not observed but many rocks still have chunks of rime stuck to them.
Climbing conditions look good, but remember, it is still Winter. On the upper mountain, sometimes the snow does not soften as the day warms which means for tedious down-climbing. Glissading may not be possible due to firm, icy snow conditions. Wind and weather can move in quickly and pack a punch. Avalanche danger can rise quickly during storms. Treat Mount Shasta with respect, make safe decisions, be honest with yourself, your skills and especially your groups skills.