Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Today, strong northwest winds and cold temperatures will promote wind slab formation on leeward aspects near and above treeline. Blowing snow, shooting cracks, and textured snow surfaces are what to watch for. Evaluate snow and terrain accordingly. Avoid this problem by sticking to wind sheltered areas, or scoured surfaces.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Cold temperatures have preserved a large amount of dry, soft snow in the mountains. Today, this snow will be at the mercy of strong northwest winds and easily transportable onto leeward north, east, and south aspects near and above treeline. Newly forming wind slabs is today's number one concern. The formation of wind slabs will be specific to the leeward sides of ridgelines, convex rollovers, cliff bands and rock outcroppings. Cross loading will be present in gullies and chutes. Remember, blowing snow is a red flag of avalanche danger, and textured or scoured surfaces indicate the wind's presence. Often times, surface texture will point towards the most dangerous slopes. This rise in instability can happen faster than expected, so be cognizant of what you're observing and the terrain you're traveling through. 

    (2/8/2025)

    Shooting cracks on a wind-loaded aspect in Cascade Gulch

    Photo: Erik Short

Avalanche Discussion

Well, it certainly feels like winter! The beginning of February hit full throttle, being nothing shy of powder dreams, tons of snow removal, natural avalanche cycles, and tranquil weather. The most recent development forecasters have observed, is a widespread layer of surface hoar. Some call it winter's dew, others call it loud pow! Either way, this surface consists of feathery crystals formed by cold, calm, and clear nights. This extremely fragile surface type, once buried, is notorious for its surprising behavior and persistent instabilities. Today's wind, may load snow onto slopes hosting preserved surface hoar, increasing the instability and likelihood of an avalanche. This will be most likely near treeline. While traveling, observe for this surface type and avoid representative or suspect slopes that have been buried by wind loading.

During an outing yesterday in the Eddy Mountains, 1-2 cm of surface hoar was observed on all aspects and elevations, and in a-typical locations like, south-facing slopes and the tops of ridgelines. Today's powerful winds may or may not destroy it. This will definitely be a layer to keep track of because once it's buried it commonly acts as a persistent weak layer. Uncertainty remains in the extent of its existence on Mount Shasta, however, as of now, we know it exists almost everywhere on the west side of the forecast zone in the Eddy Mountains.

Today's cold temperatures and wind chill can catch even the most prepared off guard. Packing an extra layer and food is a good idea.  

Whether you see an avalanche or not, keep those observations coming. Your submissions are a great way of supporting your backcountry community and are an invaluable tool to us as forecasters. 

Abgedeckte Regionen