Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Watch for small wind slab development on easterly aspects, near and above treeline. Travel with caution, the snowpack is still very thin.
Moderate to strong WNW winds continue to transport the small amount of available snow onto easterly aspects. These slabs will be small, stubborn to trigger, and isolated to terrain feature and aspect. Nonetheless, if you plan to venture near and above treeline, remember to assess leeward slopes. These slabs could be big enough to take you off your feet.
The snowfall from this weekend has subsided, providing a marginally deeper snowpack across Mount Shasta. Observations from Ash Creek Butte yesterday showed a 10 to 12 inch snow depth, with two to three inches of saturated new snow on top. This is about the same depth observed elsewhere at 7,000 feet. As the snow continues to settle, this will provide a strong base for future storms to lay on. Today is going to be a warm one. Gray Butte weather station (~8,000 feet) is already recording a temperature of 34 F. The increasingly warm temperatures will further saturate the snowpack and melt lower elevation snow.
By and large, the most notable hazard is still the predominantly shallow snowpack. If you choose to ski, take it slow and easy. Look for slopes with less rocky debris to provide the safest skiing.
Thank you to everyone who came to our Know Before You Go event and Companion Rescue Clinic this weekend. If you missed it, we will be holding these once a month through March. Keep your eye out for future announcements.
The National Weather Service has updated the 6-10 Day Precipitation Outlook:
