Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Wind slabs and wet loose avalanches remain a hazard, particularly near and above treeline. Steep convex terrain features that display signs of wind effect and hold cohesive surface properties should be avoided or assessed with care. Slopes that face the sun and receive solar heating will begin to destabilize as the day advances. Riders should move to shadier aspects or exit the terrain to avoid this problem. Not being complacent is the best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable day in the backcountry.  

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Above treeline, recent wind loading has established wind slabs among specific terrain features. West, north, and east aspects that are steep, convex, and sit among protected rocky outcroppings, are areas where riders are most likely to trigger a large wind slab. Just enough cloud cover and cool temperatures have allowed for wind slab instabilities to linger in these locations. These slabs range in depths from five to twelve inches and hold the potential to bury you. Previously buried surface crusts have proven to be an ideal bed surface for slabs to slide on. Currently, many surfaces are displaying sings of wind effect. To better assess stability, feel for wind stiffened surfaces overriding softer snow below and observe for areas presenting hollow, drum-like sounds or pillow-like appearances to hone in on specific areas where drifts may be present.  

    (3/24/2024)

    Intentionally triggered wind slab. 11,500 feet, west aspect.

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

  • Loose Wet

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

    It's going to be another warm day, with temperatures climbing into the low 40s. As temperatures rebound and the sun emerges, expect snow surfaces to begin to soften and eventually destabilize in areas receiving large amounts of solar heating, or where snow surfaces have not sufficiently refrozen. This could happen rapidly, or over a longer duration, depending on aspect and elevations. Steeper slopes that face the sun (E-SE-S-SW-W aspects) are more prone to rapid warming because of their slope angle, which allows them to receive more direct sunlight. Lower elevations have been receiving a poor freeze, and are continuing to warm and weaken. Monitor for growing instability, like recent natural avalanches, pinwheels, and unconsolidated surfaces, and move to shadier aspect and avoid steep slopes if the surface snow exceeds the height of your boot cuff. Rock outcroppings will accelerate the rate of heating to the surrounding snow surfaces, and riders should be aware of this if traveling in or among extreme terrain experiencing warming.

    Small entrainment of wet loose snow. An indicator of rising surface instability. 

Avalanche Discussion

A wide-ranging advisory tour was taken yesterday into the Eddy Mountains to conduct one of our annual snow surveys. Find out more HERE about the snow conditions. 

It's late March, and Mount Shasta is hosting enticing conditions to venture high and explore it wide. In doing so, set yourself up for success by either traveling with a partner or letting someone know where you are going. Besides avalanches, travelers also face the increasing threat of ice fall. This hazard is present on and beneath features such as the Red Banks, Casaval Ridge, Trinity Chutes, Shastarama and more. If you're going above 10,000 feet, a helmet would be a good choice. To mitigate your risk, don't spend a lot of time down slope from these features.

Another storm is on deck, and the clear, pleasant conditions are about to switch gears to stormy weather. With this, expect a rise in avalanche danger. As always, observe what you can, and remember, “Today's snow surface is tomorrow's weak layer.” 

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