Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 5 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Over the past 24 hours, the mountain has received approximately 4 inches of new snow accompanied by strong westerly winds. Expect fresh wind slab formation in exposed and wind‑loaded terrain, along with the potential for wet loose instability with solar input. Conditions today will remain cold and windy. Sheltered, low‑angle gullies may offer the best opportunities for riding and sliding. The upper mountain will be the real deal with winter conditions and very cold wind chill.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A few inches of cold, fresh snow is available for wind transport. Strong wind has been blowing predominantly out of the southwest, west and northwest, averaging 20 mi/hr with gusts to 60 mi/hr. Pay attention to blowing snow and where it's headed. If you find fresh, wind drifted snow and see snow surface cracking, consider avoiding this terrain. Leeward aspects along Casaval Ridge, Green Butte Ridge and Redbanks are examples of avalanche terrain where wind loading could be possible. Wind-scoured aspects could be firm and icy. 

    Example of snow surface cracking and blocking

     

  • Loose Wet

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

    It's April and our ball of fire is getting more potent. When the sun emerges, rapid warming can quickly change snow surface conditions. Strong solar input will provide the likelihood of wet loose avalanches within the new snow. Watch for signs of instability such as rollerballs, pinwheels and saturated surface snow. Adjust terrain choices accordingly as the day warms.

    Example of wet loose avalanche activity as clouds break and the sun comes out.

Avalanche Discussion

Our return to winter has been a little underwhelming, but we'll take it. About 4 to 6 inches has fallen on Mount Shasta, accompanied by strong westerly wind. Yesterday brought pea soup and difficult visibility, so use that assessment mindset if traveling on the mountain today. Snow still exists all the way down to Bunny Flat trailhead, but is beginning to recede. Skiing and climbing conditions are good and we continue to track well ahead of normal for the spring climbing season. All other zones within the forecast area do not host a usable snowpack. Mount Shasta's south side is the go-to. Other trailheads are beginning to melt out. Northgate is getting close, about a mile. For Clear Creek, you can get a bit past the 31 road, four-way intersection. For Brewer, a down tree is blocking the road just shy of the 42N02 road. We are actively working on clearing trees and providing trailhead access updates. Our last avalanche forecast for the season will be on April 12th. We will keep posting climbing observations and advisory updates through the spring. 

For climbers, the lower half of the mountain is pretty forgiving. The upper half is the meat and potatoes. An ice axe, crampons, helmet, beacon, shovel, and probe are mandatory. We can't stress enough to please be prepared and know how to use your equipement. Have the courage to turn around if the weather, your skills, or anything else just don't feel right. Accidents rarely result from a single, obvious error. More often, they occur when multiple small mistakes, oversights, or unfavorable conditions line up at the same time—a concept commonly described by the swiss cheese model.  Managing risk means recognizing and correcting small issues early, before they combine into a situation with serious consequences. 

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