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Avalanche Gulch snow conditions

Looking up Avalanche Gulch. Note scorn ridge lines.
Location Name: 
Avalanche Gulch, Mount Shasta to 9,500 feet
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Tue, 01/01/2019 - 3:50pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 23' 0.4128" N, 122° 13' 2.1684" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Scoured moraine tops and variable textured snow remain above tree line on the south side of Mount Shasta.  A tour up Avalanche Gulch found that wind has transformed and sculpted the snow near and above tree line. Lower lying gullies between moraines housed surface textures ranging from sastrugi to chalky sometimes smooth wind board. A think layer of ice encrusts ridge tops and windward faces. Scattered breakable crust can be found on southerly aspects below and near tree line. 

  • Heights of snow above Bunny Flat 7,200 feet (HS):  45 inches (115 cm).
  • Height of snow at Horse Camp 7,900 feet (HS) 50 inches (130 cm).
  • Variable height of snow above tree line.
  • No obvious signs of instability were observed. 

 

Photos

  • Looking down Climbers Gully in Avalanche Gulch 9,400 Feet
  • Ice crust found on scorn moraine top

Weather Observations

Details

Above freezing temps were felt this afternoon. Skies remained clear and a calm NW wind blew above tree line. 

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
Clear
Blowing Snow: 
Precipitation: 
None
Accumulation rate: 
Air temperature: 
Above Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Cooling
Wind Speed: 
Calm
Wind Direction: 
Northwest