Quick report
Today, the objective was to get on the upper reaches of Mount Shasta in search of wind slab instabilities and general snow condition. Observations are from the Green Butte Ridge area and Avalanche Gulch. The recent storm systems have provided a dusting of new snow across the upper mountain. But that's just it, a dusting. Some areas hold up to 6 inches of soft snow, while most places have closer to 3–4 inches, all resting on top of a firm melt freeze crust. As for wind slab, not much was found. A few areas along Casaval Ridge, and the Trinity Chutes appear slightly wind loaded, but this was not too alarming. So significant signs of wind loaded slopes, or active wind loading was observed. Most areas have cold, firm, wind effected surfaces.
Ski Conditions: In its current condition, it's pretty rough up there. The light new snow doesn't cover up the frozen, chunder crust underneath. Best bet for skiing will be in gullies and protected areas where the soft snow can collect. With some searching, and luck, decent turns can still be found.
Light wind transport could be seen above the Red Banks (12,500 feet). There were a few areas along the southeast aspect of Casaval Ridge, and the Trinity Chutes, that appeared to be wind loaded.Weather
- Air Temp
- 18-20
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- light
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Today was a surprisingly cold and firm day on the upper mountain. Wind blew out of the west, maintaining a light speed with occasional moderate gusts. Partly cloudy skies prevailed through the day. A heavy cloud band hovered between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, making travel difficult. Once above 10,000 feet, the sky was clear for the entire upper mountain. The cold temperatures and chilly wind kept surfaces very firm, even with direct sunlight.
Snowpack
For the most part, the recent new snow has settled out to 6 inches. On the upper mountain, snow depth ranges from 1 to 6 inches, on top of a very firm melt freeze crust. The soft snow is still quite low density, easily sliding on the crust below, making skinning and skiing a bit unpleasant. On the lower mountain, in protected areas, higher totals of newer snow could exist. On solar aspects, the soft snow is beginning to develop another surface crust.
Avalanche
No avalanches were observed.