You are here

Conditions on Gray Butte

Cracking on density change on small test slope 7,000 Feet NW Gray Butte
Location Name: 
Gray Butte
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date and time of observation: 
Sun, 02/03/2019 - 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° 21' 1.3572" N, 122° 11' 32.2116" W
See map: Google Maps
California US

Snowpack Observations

Details

Conditions on Gray Butte @ 1:00 p.m. 20190204

  • Height of storm snow (HST): 35 - 45 cm (13 - 26 in).
  • Signs of instability: Small skier triggered storm slabs and wind slabs. 
  • Column tests: ECTN24 ↓ 30 cm, CT24 ↓ 30 cm RP
  • Temperatures: 28 degrees F at bottom of the skin track 6,800 feet, 25 degrees F at pit location 7,800 feet

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

Photos

  • 20190204 Pit on NW aspect Gray Butte Ridge 7,900 Feet
  • Ski penetration start of skin track 6,800 Feet.
  • Right side up snow pack with density change 12 inches down (30 cm)
  • Drifted snow on ridge line

Weather Observations

Details

Light to moderately snowing during the extent of the tour. Snow showers would come in and out. Snowing less than 1 inch per hour with showers of slightly more than 1 inch an hour at times. Small needle precipitation particles were the dominate grain form. No wind was observed at the bottom of the skin track. Light wind with moderate gusts out of the southwest was felt on ridgeline. 

Statistics

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