Despite all the new snow and wind, avalanche danger has not been as widely observed as expected over the past 24 hours. That being said, all the ingredients are still there, so you'll want to stay alert to your surroundings. Pay close attention to any wind-loaded slopes, particularly near or above treeline. With winds seeming to shift almost daily, it's possible for isolated wind-slabs to have formed on just about any aspect of the compass.
With winds blowing out of the N-NW for the past 24 hours, pay particular attention to any S-facing slopes, particularly at or just above treeline. The potential exists for wind slabs to have formed at all aspects, so keep your red flags in mind when traveling in the backcountry today.
This last storm cycle has been your quintessential maritime conditions. Tons of snow (though lighter than normal for a maritime climate), tons of winds, with high avalanche danger during the storm itself. In typical Mount Shasta fashion, the avalanche danger has decreased dramatically in a short amount of time. That doesn't mean it's gone though! Remember, a small chance does NOT mean no chance and, with all the new snow, any avalanche you do trigger has the potential to be massive.
A period of high-pressure through the early hours of Saturday morning should see things continue to consolidate. Beyond that, we have more snow predicted, and we'll just have to wait and see what that does to our snowpack and avalanche danger. If history is any guide though, we should be in full-on winter mode again before you know it!
Some notable happenings:
Friday - 3/3 - Backcountry Film Festival
Saturday - 3/4 - Know Before You Go avalanche awareness presentation
Sunday - 3/5- Companion Rescue Beacon Clinic
Road/Recreation Status:
