Avalanche

Avalanche Gulch and Old Ski Bowl

Cory BeattieMount Shasta
View on map
Observation photo 1Observation photo 2Observation photo 3Observation photo 4

Quick report

Ranger Sam and I found variable snow surfaces in Avlanche Gulch ranging from firm slide-for-life conditions to scabby areas of boot top post-holing conditions. Snow surfaces warmed slightly up to 10,000 feet by noon but has not yet reached prime corn conditions. We witnessed wet loose avalanches on the west side of Gray Butte and the east side of Green Butte at 8,000 to 9,000 feet. As we roll into the weekend the upper elevations of Mount Shasta will expereience above freezing temperatures for the first time this season. Wet loose avalanches will be a matter of when not if. Getting an early start and avoiding travel during the warmest part of the day will be paramount to avoiding being caught and carried in an avalanche. 

Weather

Air Temp
35
Cloud Cover
clear
Wind Loading
previous
Snow Avail For Transport
small smounts

Clear skies with moderate east wind. Mountain temperatures ranged from the 50s at Bunny Flat to upper 30s at 10,000 feet.

Avalanche

Natural wind slab avalanches observed from a distance on south facing aspects above 10,000 feet. One near the West Face has a sizeable crown and debris field estimated to have been a D2 avalanche. Wet loose avalanches were observed in the Old Ski Bowl off of Gray Butte and a snowmobile triggered avalanche one the east side of Green Butte.