Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

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

Kernpunkte

It’s possible for small, wet-snow instabilities to develop on steep slopes where solar input and radiative heating from rocks have softened surfaces. An “early in, early out” travel strategy is the best way to mitigate this hazard. Seek mellower terrain if you observe rollerballs or punchy, wet snow. Come prepared to arrest a fall in extreme terrain, and minimize your time spent beneath areas where rocks and ice could fall. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    This problem will be confined to very steep, sun-exposed slopes. Depending on location, surfaces of wind-packed snow or melt-freeze crusts may break down, allowing softer snow underneath to become entrained. Exercise caution near large rock outcrops and cliff bands, as these features can enhance the rate of surface heating. 

    As you travel, monitor for where snow surfaces are becoming wet and unconsolidated. Use boot penetration on representative aspects to gauge surface stability to your intended terrain. If you observe signs that the upper snowpack is losing strength, such as rollerballs, greasy snow atop a firm crust, or sinking into mushy snow past your ankles, seek mellower or shadier terrain. 

    With high clouds present overnight, the snowpack may not have experienced as strong a refreeze as temperatures might suggest, and softer-than-expected surfaces may be present. On the contrary, high clouds throughout today will limit the amount of solar input surfaces can receive and decrease the rate of softening. This weather factor holds inherent uncertainty on which way stability will trend, so come prepared to self-evaluate conditions. 

    Continue to give cornices a wide berth when traveling above or below them.

    (4/4/2026)

    This is a representative snow structure for many solar aspects near and above treeline. Recent storm snow above a firm and supportable crust. The top inch of surface snow contained meltwater. As water continues to weaken the underlying dry snow, the potential for wet loose avalanches exists. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Hoppy Easter!

The dogwoods are flowering and the chickadees are chirping. That can only mean one thing. Spring is here! Spring is a great time for backcountry travel but is also a time when variable surface conditions, exposed obstacles, and erratic weather are present.    

Although unlikely, small wind slabs may still pose a threat in extreme terrain on the upper mountain. Continue to assess dune-shaped pockets of drifted snow for shooting cracks as you travel.

If you get out skiing, climbing, or hiking, our observation page is a great place to share your findings and is always a huge value. We'd love to hear from you! 

Climbing: Current hazards include icefall, rockfall, and firm, icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential.  A full mountaineering kit is non‑negotiable: 12‑point crampons (not microspikes), an ice axe, a helmet, and the skills to use them well. We can't stress it enough -- please be prepared and know how to use your equipment. Have the courage to turn around if the weather, your skills, or anything else just doesn't feel right. The mountain will be there next time. Managing risk means recognizing and correcting small issues early, before they compound into a situation with serious consequences. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details, including updated trailhead access information. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. 

Survey: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for backcountry skiers and boarders to manage human factors. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Click HERE to participate. Thank you for your help!

Abgedeckte Regionen