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Avalanche Forecast for 2020-03-11 05:00

  • EXPIRED ON March 12, 2020 @ 5:00 am
    Published on March 11, 2020 @ 5:00 am
  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche danger is LOW. Exercise normal caution. Spring-like conditions will prevail until the weekend. Steep, sunny slopes may release thin, wet-loose snow. Beware of falling rock.

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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Avalanche danger is LOW. Exercise normal caution:

  • Watch for isolated wind slabs and small wet-loose point releases on steep, sunlit slopes.
  • Bring and be prepared to use your avalanche rescue tools.
  • Practice safe travel techniques when traveling in or near avalanche terrain.

Forecast Discussion

Spring-like conditions have returned. Rock fall is becoming more likely below exposed areas. Wear a helmet and keep your eyes on the ball (and avoid the ball if it takes the form of a trundling rock). If you plan to be climbing on steep aspects, bring your ice axe and crampons. There are firm, slippery slopes out there.

Recent Observations

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In the last 24 hours on Mount Shasta, near treeline temperatures ranged from 25 to 42 degrees. Easterly winds were light to moderate with gusts up to 25 mi/hr.

Wind, temperatures, and solar radiation have teamed up to destroy the new snow received last weekend. Expect a mixed bag of conditions above treeline. Here are some adjectives to describe snow surfaces: scoured, firm, icy, moist, breakable, chalky. If you venture into more remote, colder regions (north side of Mount Shasta), you may still find favorable snow below treeline.

Aside from some small, thin, loose-wet avalanches, no instabilities in the snowpack have been seen.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

It's clear sailing 'till the weekend - sunny, warm days and clear, cool nights; highs near 50, lows near freezing. Winds will be from the north, light to moderate.

High and low pressure will conspire to bring cold, moist air from the far north this weekend. Numbers are looking good for snow enthusiasts. Stay tuned ....

24 Hour Weather Station Data @ 3:00 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 28 59 42.5 3 N
Sand Flat (6750 ft) 30 20 47 33 38 0 0 1
Ski Bowl (7600 ft) 34 26.5 41.5 35.5 60.1 0 0 0.8
Gray Butte (8000 ft) 35 26.5 40.5 35 14 25 E
Castle Lake (5870 ft) 41 30.5 49 40.5 30.7 0 1.2
Mount Eddy (6509 ft) 31.5 22.5 44 35 2 10 WSW 46.6 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
  Wednesday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.) 		Wednesday Night
(10 p.m. to 4 a.m.) 		Thursday
(4 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Weather Sunny. Mostly clear. Sunny.
Temperature (°F) 49 30 47
Wind (mi/hr) North 0-5 North 5-10 North 5-10
Precipitation SWE / Snowfall (in) 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0
For 9000 ft to 11000 ft
  Wednesday Wednesday Night Thursday
Weather Sunny. Mostly clear. Breezy. Sunny. Breezy.
Temperature (°F) 31 30 31
Wind (mi/hr) North 10-15 North 15-20 North 15-20
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) 13.61 31.92 43
Month to Date (since Feb 1, 2025) 0.71 2.42 29
Year to Date (since Jan 1, 2025) 4.68 16.71 28

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.