Quick report
The objective of today was to assess wind slab development and snow coverage in the Gray Butte area. The strong northwest winds have absolutely stripped N-NW aspects down to crusty, old snow. Surface snow is far less wind affected after dropping 100+ feet below ridgeline. Large wind lips and sastrugi have formed on exposed ridge tops. Although no wind slabs were noted, a considerable amount of snow is still being transported onto leeward aspects. Deposition might be occurring at lower elevations than observed. While snow coverage is sufficient for skiing, caution is still essential.
No instabilities were observed.Weather
- Air Temp
- 25
- Cloud Cover
- obscured
- Wind Loading
- moderate
- Recent Snowfall
- 0
- Snow Avail For Transport
- moderate amounts
A day of increasing storm conditions. Throughout the day, light snow fell, winds remained strong with extreme gusts out of the northwest, and visibility was poor.
Avalanche
Yesterday, an avalanche occurred on the ENE aspect of Coyote Butte. The avalanche, naturally released, measured about 2 feet deep and 20 feet wide. Notably, it took place at a low position on the slope, situated below a steep and isolated convexity. The report of this incident came from the Ski Patrol at Mount Shasta Ski Park.