Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Continued warm weather and solar input will weaken snow surfaces through the day. Wet snow instabilities may develop, especially on steep, sunny slopes near rocky outcrops. Consider moving to gentler terrain if you find yourself sinking past your ankles into wet snow. Be prepared to arrest a fall and watch for icefall and rockfall from the upper mountain. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Unusually warm temperatures, strong sun, and the continued lack of an overnight refreeze will increase the potential for wet snow instability on steep solar aspects and shady aspects near and below treeline. The areas of greatest concern are on solar slopes around radiators like rock outcroppings, cliffs, and trees as well as in steep, protected bowls and locations where snow can be funneled such as gullies and chutes. Sustained slopes have the potential to entrain larger quantities of snow, producing avalanches on the upper end of the size range, D1.5. 

    There is some uncertainty about how the instability will develop through the week with the superficial refreezes. The surface crust will probably break down earlier in the day, exposing deeper layers of wet snow that have not refrozen solidly. Avalanches could fail above or below the surface crust, which is spatially variable in thickness.

    Either way, it will be important to self-evaluate conditions as the day progresses and monitor surfaces for a loss of cohesion due to melt. If you begin to sink past your ankles into mushy wet snow or see natural signs of instability like rollerballs and point releases, consider changing to a shadier aspect or moving to gentler slopes. Small avalanches can still be problematic in high-consequence terrain. Give cornices a wide berth when traveling both above and below them. 

    Natural wet loose on the northwest face of Gray Butte from February 2026 

    Photo: Christian Jordan

Avalanche Discussion

As the weather and snowpack warm up, remain vigilant for icefall and rockfall from the upper mountain. Traveling earlier in the day while surfaces are firm and supportable can decrease your exposure to wet snow instabilities and increase your chances of finding quality riding conditions. Stay alert for changing conditions and remain flexible with your route or objective if you observe signs of unstable snow.

While it may feel like spring down low, it's still winter up high. Climbing conditions remain good but surfaces above 10,000 feet are firm and not expected to soften. A fall could lead to a slide-for-life. Carry a full mountaineering kit: 12‑point crampons (not microspikes), an ice axe, a helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Early‑season ascents are significantly riskier than a spring climb and demand a higher experience level. Check the Advisory page for additional details or give us a call if you have questions: 530-926-9614.

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