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Conditions on Gray Butte

Location Name: 
Gray Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Wed, 01/16/2019 - 1:00pm
Observation made by: 
Forecaster
Red Flags:
Recent avalanche activity
Whumphing noises, shooting cracks, or collapsing
Recent loading by new snow, wind, or rain

Location Map

96067 Mount Shasta , CA
United States
41° 20' 39.552" N, 122° 11' 44.5704" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Conditions on Gray Butte @ 1:00 p.m. 01/16/19:

  • Height of storm snow (HST): 25 - 40 cm (10 - 24 in).
  • Signs of instability: Skier triggered storm slabs and propagating wind slabs. Blocking and cracking.
  • Column tests: ECTN1 ↓ 15 cm, ECTN7 ↓ 20 cm, ECTN14 ↓ 40 cm atop crust; CT2 ↓ 15 cm RP, CT4 ↓ 20 cm RP.
  • Temperatures: Below 6000 feet, increasing temperatures made snowpack very heavy and sluggish.

Column tests and shovel tilt tests indicate the presence of a storm slab problem especially coupled with reactive ski test results on steep slopes near and below treeline.

Photos

  • Shovel tilt tests show instability in new storm snow
  • Blocking
  • Small propagating wind slabs reactive to ski trigger
  • Ski penetration
  • Right side up snowpack

Weather Observations

Statistics

Cloud Cover: 
100% of the sky covered by clouds
Blowing Snow: 
Yes
Precipitation: 
Snow
Accumulation rate: 
Greater than 1 in. per hour
Air temperature: 
Below Freezing
Air temperature trend: 
Warming
Wind Speed: 
Light