Mount Shasta

Avalanche activity remains unlikely today. Watch for isolated areas of unstable snow, mainly on upper mountain northerly aspects holding fresh wind drifts. Today and tonight, two to six inches of snow is expected at treeline.

Today is setting up to be wet and warm. A moderate valley temperature inversion will start the day with mountain temperatures already warmer than the valleys. As of 6am, radar is already showing incoming precipitation from the southwest. Anticipated water totals have a slight range, spanning from 0.5 to 0.9 inches by tomorrow morning. While it might not be a significant amount, this could translate to two to six inches of snowfall at treeline, contingent on daytime temperatures.

That being said, here are a few mountain hazards to keep on your radar.

• Slide-for-life conditions are present at the mid and upper elevations. Wind has scoured knolls, ridges, and exposed windward aspects, leaving only bullet hard ice. These surfaces will present a polished and glazed appearance. A fall, or the loss of a snowmobile, would be nearly impossible to arrest. Be cautious when traveling on slick surfaces with exposed objects beneath.
• Wind drifted snow may develop on leeward (northerly) aspects. Depending on how much snow falls, these drifts will be small and isolated to aspect and terrain feature. However, wind drifted snow could add to the already extremely variable snow surfaces near and above treeline. 
• Rock and ice fall will be a rising hazard with warming temperatures. Numerous cliffs and rock formations on the upper mountain are covered in rime ice. With continued warm temperatures, these cliffs are likely to release sizable chunks onto the terrain below. If you're navigating the upper mountain, stay vigilant for any signs of small falling debris, preceding larger pieces.