Mount Shasta

Avalanche conditions are generally safe. Small, isolated wind slabs remain a remote possibility on the uppermost reaches of Mount Shasta. Saturated surface snow and low tide will make for some unpleasant travel in the backcountry today.

The primary hazard continues to be the thin snow conditions across the forecast area. Travel with caution. The recent new snow has really helped, elevating snow depth near treeline to between 20 and 24 inches, but this is not enough to let your guard down. Also keep in mind, surface condition and snow depth are highly variable above treeline.

There is a very slight possibility of wind slab development up high on Mount Shasta. The warm temperatures have created wet surface snow, drastically limiting the amount of available snow for transport. Nonetheless, If venturing high above treeline, wind slab should still be considered a possibility. The moderate-strong overnight winds could have created small wind slabs on easterly aspects. Don't sweat, though, these are likely to be very isolated to specific terrain features and there isn't enough available snow to create anything large. Just keep it on your radar, as it could take you off your feet.

Today, the main factor to impact the forecast area are the warm temperatures. As of 5am, Gray Butte weather station is recording 45 degrees F, which is quite astounding when Mount Shasta City is recording 25 degrees F, and it sits 4,600 feet lower! And just to verify those numbers, the Old Ski Bowl Pacific Power station is also recording 44 degrees F. This temperature inversion will break down through the morning, but temperatures will still be warm until the evening.  Expect snow surfaces to become saturated and heavy, particularly near and above treeline. When temperatures start to drop below freezing, these surfaces will become very firm, with potentially slide-for-life conditions.

Yesterday, forecasters made it out to Brewer Creek and North Gate trailheads to assess road and snow conditions. Check it out HERE.