East of Mt Shasta - Little Mt Hoffman Area

Yesterday hosted a wide-ranging snowmobile tour along the eastern edges of the forecast area to Little Mount Hoffman, Pumice Stone Mountain, Little Glass Mountain and Paint Pot Crater. A long approach, ~20 miles, was taken via FS 15 road (Harris Springs Road). The snow is rough and icy until elevation is gained past Harris Spring. Grooming begins near Kluntchi Butte. Use the Tri-Forest Snowmobile Trail Map for navigation. A shorter and probably better access point is via Four Corners Snowmobile Park. The Tri-Forest Snowmobile Trails are being actively groomed and in good shape. The day was clear and calm, with chilly temperatures. High temps on Ash Creek Butte reached 24 degrees. Wind on Mount Shasta was quite mellow comparatively speaking to recent days, blowing predominantly out of the east, averaging 8 mi/hr with gusts to 30 mi/hr. Past wind loading was observed near and above treeline east of Mount Shasta. Small to medium-sized cornices have formed along leeward terrain features. Recent new snow averaged 3 - 5 inches above 6,000 feet. All told, wind slabs and cornices were stubborn to trigger. No recent avalanches or obvious signs of hazard were encountered. 

• Observation Location: Little Mount Hoffman, Pumice Stone Mountain, Little Glass Mountain and Paint Pot Crater
• Elevation: 4,000 to 7,000 feet
• Date: 20230216
• Time: Afternoon hours
• Observer: Meyers / Falconer
• Sky Conditions: Clear (CLR)
• Current Precipitation: none
• Air Temperature: 24 °F
• Surface Penetration: Boot penetration (PF) = 3-5 in / Snowmobile = 5-8 in
• Total Snow Depth (HS): 90 - 125 in 
• 24-hour New Snow Depth (HN24): [none
• 24-hour New Snow Water Equivalent (HN24W): none
• Wind Direction: Variable
• Wind Speed: Calm (C), 0 mi/hr