Quick report
Today I set out to see the Avalanche Gulch avalanche for myself and observe for wind loading near and above treeline on Mount Shasta. Below treeline in forested areas, the snowpack stayed frozen, with tree bombs littering the surface. I could hear wind howling aloft as I ascended. Nearing treeline, surfaces became a little more dynamic than just frozen snow. In the most protected areas, soft powder snow was observed, and on sun lit slopes, warming “wet” snow was observed. In between these, breakable crust and supportive, firm snow were experienced. Once in Avalanche Gulch, windy conditions were observed high on the mountain. Snow could be seen drifting and pluming off ridgelines and being blown down and up slopes. Loading was observed predominantly south and east aspects. A cloud cap engulfing most of the upper mountain.
Weather
- Air Temp
- 27
- Cloud Cover
- broken
- Wind Loading
- none
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- small smounts
In the shade, temperatures remained below freezing. Sunny skies gradually became covered by shreds of clouds. Calm winds were experienced.
Snowpack
The majority of the snowpack I observed was completely frozen and hard from the freezing temperatures. Around 11am the sun was shinning strong enough on solar aspects to cause some superficial warming.