Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist last year abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

A few inches of snow overnight will pair with a stout westerly wind. Today's watch-out will be wind associated instabilities. Watch for wind blowing snow and drifting of new snow, primarily near and above treeline. If in avalanche terrain, move cautiously where wind drifted snow is observed. Remember, anytime the sun may poke its head out, effects are immediate on sunny aspects this time of year. Areas of wet surface snow can quickly form, depending on cloud cover.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Ridges and bowls around the forecast area are fat with large cornices and wind loaded start zones. That said, triggering older slabs in previously wind loaded terrain will be difficult. Moreover, watch for fresh snow blowing around and new areas of drifting snow. Westerly wind will distribute snow onto easterly aspects and cross load northerly and southerly aspects. Always pay attention to the wind. Mount Shasta is a huge feature that sticks up 7,000 vertical feet above the surrounding terrain. Local orographics cause wind to blow from directions not expected. 

    Gather information from small test slopes before committing to exposed terrain. Use clues such as cornices, wind drifts, snow surface texture, and snow surface cracking to identify slopes of concern. Move around these areas with caution. Opting for wind sheltered terrain below treeline reduces the risk of encountering this problem today.

    Photo: Nick Meyers

Avalanche Discussion

The feet of snow received over the weekend has settled considerably. Today's main focus should be new, wind associated instabilities, with some mindful attention for large cornices and lingering, old wind slabs in steep terrain. Over the past 24 hours, we've received 2–4 inches of new snow overnight. Temperatures have ranged from 16 to 28 F. Wind has blown predominantly out of the SSE, averaging 11 mi/hr with gusts to 36 mi/hr. Near treeline on Mount Shasta, 173 inches of snow is on the ground. At Castle Lake, 139 inches and Mount Eddy 125 inches. Snow showers will hang around over the next couple of days with a gradual clearing and warming trend into next week. Earlier in the week, we observed a couple natural wind slab avalanches on the west side Eddy Mountains, and one large slab on Gray Butte near Mount Shasta. This consequential avalanche was an eye-opener, and the remainder of the west face of Gray Butte is untouched. While it seems unlikely and difficult to trigger another large slab like this, we still suggest staying off this slope for now. The runnout zone of this slide path is a nasty terrain trap and if you triggered a similar avalanche, you would likely leave a mark in the local obituaries page. This is a common area for snowmobiles high-marking on the slope. User beware!Snow surfaces prior to last night's storm were variable. Preserved powder and sun crust are the main dishes. Northerly facing, shaded slopes will be best. Southerly slopes will host breakable crust with a bit of fresh on top.

The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads are closed. Unknown re-opening. Road status page - click here

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