FALL AVALANCHE STATEMENT updated November 29^th, 2007.


 Upcoming Events:

 Friday, November 30: FREE Avalanche Awareness presentation at the
 Wayside Grill in Mt. Shasta, all ages welcome. Begins at 6pm and
 lasts 1-1.5 hours.


 Saturday, December 1: FREE Avalanche Transceiver clinic. Meet at The
 Fifth Season 9am and dress to be outside. No snow is required. Demos
 will be available

 Wednesday, December 5: Film Night With Friends - A fundraiser put on
 by Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center with 2 great movies at
 the Wayside Grill. Doors open 6pm and movies begin at 7pm. $8 entry


 Climate experts continue to observe moderate "La Nina" conditions
 in the Pacific Ocean. This usually means cold and wet conditions for
 the Pacific Northwest and dry conditions for the south and southwest.

 Mt. Shasta often benefits during La Nina conditions, but sometimes the
 wet weather stays north. Moderate La Nina conditions are expected to
 continue over the next few months into at least early2008.


 With funding from the Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center,
 Snowdog Engineering was able to upgrade the communication system for
 the Mt. Eddy weather station and do some maintenance at all of the
 other weather stations this Fall. However, we recently had lightning
 damage to our main radio which has prevented communication with all of
 our weather stations. We are diligently working on repairing this
 problem.



 Matt Hill, one of the founders of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center, has
 moved on and his position does not look like it will be filled this
 winter. With only 1 forecaster, we will provide avalanche advisories
 3-4 days a week this winter instead of daily. Your input and
 observations of weather and snow pack are needed more than ever this
 winter! (530)926-9614


 

 Mountain Weather:

 Precipitation so far this water year (July 1 - June 30) has dropped to
 just below normal (~60% in town). Around 5 inches of water has fallen
 on the mountain with patchy snow at tree line and 2-3 feet on the
 upper mountain. We've had a few dustings lately but nothing that has
 stuck around on the south side. Strong winds, up to 80 mph at tree
 line, have occurred this fall, carrying more snow to the east side.

 Skiing conditions on the east side have required a long carry and with
 cold temps and winds, you can expect a combination of "firm" snow and
 wind slabs. Wind slabs may exist on easterly aspects on the upper
 mountain. We will begin providing avalanche advisories 3-4 days a
 week when we have significant snowfall. We may see a big storm coming
 in next week so keep your fingers crossed. Fall is often a time of
 strong winds on Mt. Shasta and most climbers recently have been forced
 to retreat. With thin snow pack, rock fall is continuing in Avalanche
 Gulch.



 Some things to consider:

 Backcountry travelers should make terrain, weather and snow pack
 evaluations as they travel over snow covered terrain. Remember that
 seemingly insignificant slides may be dangerous. Almost half of all
 avalanche fatalities occur in slides traveling less than 300 feet.


 Fall Season Watch Outs!

 * Surface sluffs and wind slabs
 * Shallowly buried rocks and trees can cause serious damage or
 injury.

 * Sink holes around brush and small trees can be dangerous.

 * Snow bridges over crevasses can be touchy and unsupportable.

 * Shallow snowpack with cold air temperatures can produce unstable
 snow


 These are just a few things you should watch out for when traveling
 during the early part of the winter season.



 The Five Red Flags of Avalanche Danger any time of year include: 1)
 Recent/current avalanche activity 2) Whumpfing sounds and shooting
 cracks 3) Recent/current heavy snowfall 4) Strong winds transporting
 snow 5) Rapid warming or rain on snow.