Avalanche Gulch

Location Name:

Mount Shasta

Region:

Mt. Shasta

Date and time of observation:

Sat, 12/19/2020 - 12:00pm

Observation made by:

Forecaster

Red Flags:

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA

United States

41° 23' 22.2972" N, 122° 12' 40.2156" W

See map: Google Maps

California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Observation Location: Avalanche Gulch / South Side Mt Shasta
Elevation: 6,950 feet to 10,500 feet
Date: 20201219
Time: 1200
Observer: R Sorenson
Sky Conditions: Mostly Clear, Wispy high altitude clouds
Current Precipitation: None
Air Temperature:27 F
Surface Penetration: 0-2 inches / 0-5 cm
Total Snow Depth (HS): 0-25 inches / 0-65 cm
Wind Direction: Northwest
Blowing Snow: Yes, Widespread scouring and sublimation.

Mount Shasta has received strong northwest winds over the past 24 hours. Wind speeds recorded at 8,000 feet on Gray Butte have ranged from 15 to 29 mi/hr and averaged 22 mi/hr over the last 24 hours (12/18- 1500 hours to 12/19 - 1500 hours). This has obliterated what was left of our shallow snowpack near and above treeline. A tour to Helen Lake in Avalanche Gulch observed a barely usable snowpack. Gullies host the best chance at making turns on a firm and chalky wind board. Pockets of softer snow remain in protected areas below the treeline and are mixed with various breakable wind and sun crust in open areas. Many hidden and not so hidden obstacles exist everywhere. There is little to no snow on the typical avalanche starting zones on the south side of Mount Shasta at this time.