Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Another round of heavy weather has increased avalanche danger. Instabilities within new and wind-drifted snow are likely. Avoid wind-loaded terrain and carefully evaluate slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Watch for red flags of instability, make conservative decisions, and travel in sheltered terrain to avoid this problem. Early-season conditions add an additional hazard.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    Fresh snowfall overnight and today, combined with active winds, puts wind slab avalanches squarely on the radar. Instability will be greatest during and shortly after periods of active snowfall. Danger from large wind slabs will be most prominent above treeline where greater amounts of transportable snow exist. Near treeline, this problem will be more isolated due to a shallow and variable snowpack. With shifting wind directions, expect wind slabs on all aspects.  

    Careful route-finding and snowpack evaluation are essential. Wind-deposited snow will be found near features that promote drifting, including below ridgelines, cross-loaded gullies, concave terrain, and rock outcrops. Indicators include textured or pillow-like snow surfaces and actively blowing snow. Heed red flags and manage terrain deliberately. Seek mellow, wind-sheltered, or windward slopes to reduce exposure and increase your safety margins.

    This photo was taken last year but holds all the “watch-outs” to look for: active snow transport, cornice, and surface texturing. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Recent observations found the previous day’s snow forming a strong melt-freeze crust on most aspects below treeline on the south side of Mount Shasta. This crust has not been confirmed near or above treeline, though similar hard or variable surfaces likely exist. While crusts can be a problematic bed surface, today’s warm snowfall may promote bonding—the classic “Shasta plasta” setup. With over a foot of new snow expected near treeline, storm slabs remain possible, especially if the storm snow becomes inverted (heavier snow over lighter snow) and in areas where more than 6 inches of snow are receiving rapid accumulation. Shooting cracks underfoot or from machines are key warning signs. Use small, low-consequence test slopes to assess conditions.

The snowpack is improving near and below treeline and will be more usable after this storm. However, shallow depths and buried objects remain. Travel slowly and cautiously to avoid injury. 

As winter makes a comeback, increased avalanche danger is likely to remain present. It will be vital not to get complacent and acknowledge the danger associated with large storm events. Conditions near and above treeline have not been verified. If you choose to travel at those elevations, be prepared to self-evaluate conditions.

For now, the Eddy Mountains, Castle Lake area, Pilgrim Creek and Deer Mountain Snowmobile Parks, Mount Shasta Nordic Center, and Snowman’s Hill don't hold a usable snowpack. 

Abgedeckte Regionen