Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Wet loose avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Continue to exercise caution on steep, sunny slopes that sit beneath large rock outcrops during the heat of the day. If you observe loose, mushy, or greasy wet snow, it’s time to seek mellower terrain or more supportable surfaces.

Mountaineering hazards include slide-for-life conditions, rockfall, and a lowering cloud ceiling. Proficient use of crampons and ice axes is essential for safe travel on the upper mountain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Cold overnight temperatures have reconsolidated the upper snowpack, decreasing the likelihood of wet loose avalanches and extending the window of supportable surfaces. However, this does not eliminate the hazard. Caution is still warranted in steep, sunny, and complex terrain—particularly around rock outcroppings or below large cliff bands, where wet snow instabilities are most likely. Continue to assess conditions throughout the day, watching for signs of surface melt and loss of cohesion. 

    Today is all about timing. The window for finding quality riding may be shorter, but wet snow instabilities may continue to develop throughout the day. Start early to maximize your chance at finding quality riding conditions and decrease your chances of encountering unstable, wet snow. Continue to give cornices a wide berth when traveling both above and below them.

    (3/21/2026)

    A small (D 1.5) wet loose avalanche that occurred Friday afternoon in Powder Bowl. The slide was likely triggered by rockfall and ran approximately 200 feet. This is the type of extreme, isolated terrain near rock features to exercise caution around.

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Climbing conditions remain good, but honest self-assessment is crucial. Mount Shasta should not be your first experience using crampons and an ice axe, and rescue is never guaranteed. Come prepared for the full range of mountaineering hazards above Lake Helen, most notably slick and firm surfaces that can result in a long slide-for-life. Increased rockfall has also been observed, so keep an eye to the sky. Remember, the summit is only halfway. Set a turnaround time of noon or 1 p.m., regardless of the weather. And don’t fall into complacency—it can be fatal.

With climbing season running well ahead of schedule, don't forget conditions can change on a dime and winter could return in full force, so don't hang your hat on having a solid climbing window moving forward. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details about climbing Mount Shasta. Or you are welcome to give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. We'd love to help!

Thank you to everyone who attended the Backcountry Film Festival last night. It was a great time all around! 

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