Mount Shasta

Cooling temperatures and a breezy, north wind is the weather trend for today and into the weekend. By Sunday, temperatures will be downright cold. Wind chill will be a factor above treeline in the mountains. The hand of northerly wind has sculpted highly variable snow surfaces in exposed terrain. The amount of snow available for wind transport has decreased considerably, making new wind slab development limited and avalanches of consequence unlikely. Naturally, practice good backcountry travel skills during this period of dry weather. Always look for the five red flags of avalanche danger, anytime, anywhere.

Normal caution is advised today. You've heard it already: northerly wind has ravaged the snowpack. Left behind is wild sastrugi features, scoured icy surfaces and stiff, smooth slabs of wind-blown snow on near and above treeline slopes. Variable wind-affected snow surfaces also extend into some open areas below treeline. Most snow available for transport has already moved along, so new wind slab formation and blowing snow should remain limited. Triggering an avalanche has grown unlikely as the dense wind slabs gain strength. Still, it may not be impossible on an isolated slope, especially in complex terrain around cliffs where an unsupported wind slab may exist. Large cornices may also still linger. Soft, more consistent snow still exists in wind-sheltered terrain at lower elevation areas on northerly aspects. Always pay attention to changing conditions and any isolated signs of instability.

• The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads are still CLOSED. We don't know when they will open. The same message continues: it's slow-going, and the equipment keeps breaking.