Quick report
No instability was observed today. New snow amounts are on the low end and wind was not a factor. That said, as we left the mountain at 1430 hours, northwest wind was audible in the tree tops and small amounts of blowing snow observed on the upper mountain.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 20
- Cloud Cover
- scattered
- Wind Loading
- none
- Rain Elevation
- 5,500
- Recent Snowfall
- 5-10
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
Mixed clouds, sun and light snow today with calm wind until mid-afternoon when the northwesterlies kicked in. Snow accumulation during daylight hours today was slim to none, but 2–4 inches of fresh snow from the recent glance of weather was measured in Avalanche Gulch near and above treeline.
Snowpack
Near treeline on Mount Shasta, 172 inches of snow is on the ground. New snow from last night measure 2–4 inches, resting on top of wind affected, crusty surfaces. Some moments of brilliance can be found on skis, but overall it left something to be desired. Lower angle terrain will ski best with the small amount of new snow. Steeper terrain, expect your skis to find the crust.
We did not observe any red flags of avalanche danger. If we had to issue caution...pay attention to steep slopes near exposed ridges that have signs of wind affect and drifting where a small slab could be possible. This is most likely above treeline.
Boot penetration at 50/50 Flat in Avalanche Gulch was minimal, boding well for climbers without snowshoes, but post holing cannot be ruled out somewhere along any given route on the mountain.