Mount Shasta

Today is the beginning of a transition back to winter-like weather.  High clouds will filter into the area and southerly wind will increase this afternoon. Precipitation should hold off until late tonight or tomorrow morning. Low avalanche danger will prevail for another 24 hours. Tomorrow morning, anticipate fresh snow and wind to create a new wind slab problem. Snow surfaces are smooth, slick and icy. Slide-for-life conditions exist on the upper mountain.

For today, avalanche conditions lack a well-defined problem. Normal caution suggests that backcountry travelers apply standard protocols, such as carrying rescue gear, traveling one at a time through avalanche terrain, and watching for signs of instability. Small avalanches in extreme terrain can be expected during normal caution conditions. The avalanche danger will increase tomorrow, and during periods of winter weather this weekend. Everyday essential safety gear includes a beacon, shovel and probe. When snow surfaces are smooth, slick and icy, condition-specific safety gear includes an ice axe, boot crampons, a helmet and self-arrest skills with your ice axe. Having this equipment is one thing. Knowing how to use it is another. Get the gear, get some training, start at the shallow end of the pool before you dive into the steep and deep. 

This weekend, 2/4 and 2/5:

• Saturday, Avalanche Awareness @ Deadwood Supply Co. - 7pm
• Sunday, Sunday, Sunday - Companion Rescue @ Bunny Flat - 9am