#mount-shasta-fatality

#mount-shasta-fatality

The storm cycle will bring 8-17 inches of new snow to most open resorts in the PNW, with snow quality starting dense to moderate on Tuesday and improving as colder air arrives on Wednesday.

The March 19 fire was a wake-up call for the community, highlighting the importance of egress planning and emergency access during such incidents.

'Due to its extent and location it is clear that this is in fact the same magma reservoir as in the previous eruption,' geophysicist Professor Seama Nobukazu said.

Sam Machado, a Yolo County sheriff's lieutenant, faces seven counts of murder in connection with the July 1, 2025 explosion on his property, which housed operations for Devastating Pyrotechnics.

Mammoth Mountain reported between 12 and 18 inches of new snow over the past 48 hours, with additional snowfall forecasted to add to an already solid late-season base.

In 2025, the mountain rescue service faced an unprecedented number of operations, with 13,037 rescues conducted, averaging 35 missions a day, reflecting a significant increase in demand.

The storm will begin warm and wind-affected on Friday, with snow levels starting around 7,000 to 8,000 feet, leading to wet conditions at lower elevations initially.

This is the update we were hoping to avoid, but unfortunately due to a rapidly deteriorating snow pack, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park will be suspending operations as of Monday, 3/2 until we receive more snow. The forecast through mid March isn't looking promising, but if it turns around our team will do everything we can to get you back on the slopes.

Though trails have reopened, hazardous winter conditions still persist and hikers should come prepared to meet snow-covered trails, icy sections, limited visibility, and the possibility of sudden storms, said the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department in a news release. That means evaluating weather conditions, carrying appropriate gear, and understanding personal limits.

Cal/OSHA's report issued three specific violations, determining that Mammoth Mountain: Placed personnel in unnecessary danger without providing adequate safeguards. Failed to establish effective "safe zones" for patrollers to shelter in while avalanche mitigation (intentional triggering of slides) was underway. Lacked proper documentation regarding avalanche training for its employees.

When skier Michael Harris found himself buried under an avalanche at Stevens Pass in Washington, he more or less accepted his fate, understanding that as he was skiing alone, the potential for rescue was slim. However thanks to Apple's Find My iPhone, Harris' was able to see that he hadn't moved for hours and contacted the Stevens Pass ski patrol for assistance.

Confidence is highest through Saturday because the individual models agree well on the timing of the Thursday storm and the following break. Southern California's mountains pick up a quick shot of snow on Thursday with strong winds, then dry out into the weekend. Beyond the weekend, the signal stays active, but model spread grows fast on storm timing, snow levels, and wind impacts, so expect meaningful swings from run to run.

The skier, who has not been identified, was attempting a run called Dropout 2 - among the steepest marked trails in California - which descends from the summit ridge of the 11,000-foot mountain. The run falls about 1,200 vertical feet below a slow, three-person lift that ferries expert skiers to some of Mammoth's most adventurous terrain.

Mt. Hood Skibowl, Oregon, is dealing with the reality that Mother Nature has not been cooperating with Western ski resorts this season, and will suspend its ski and ride operations after Sunday night. The temperatures at Mt. Hood Skibowl on Saturday, January 31, were 33 degrees at the base area and 42 at the top. The snow depth at the top of the mountain was 14 inches.