Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sat
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 8 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Small human-triggered avalanches are possible in wind-drifted areas. Evaluate steep slopes carefully if traveling in the alpine. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences in big terrain. Icefall is also possible as the sun warms rime-covered rocks on the upper mountain. A helmet is advised. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent snow and strong northwest winds formed wind slabs on leeward aspects. Most of these slabs are small - less than a foot deep - though deeper slabs may exist on heavily wind-loaded features or in locations where Monday's snow was not capped by a crust. 

    Drifted easterly and southerly aspects are most suspect, though shifting wind directions over the last 24 hours mean slabs are possible on all aspects above treeline. Wind speeds will taper today into tonight as winds shift from a northerly to an easterly direction, but wind transport may continue. While wind slabs are most likely to be found above treeline, pay attention as you ascend near treeline as well. Wind slabs commonly form below leeward ridgelines, around rock outcroppings, and in gully features. 

    Carefully evaluate slopes for signs of drifted snow before committing to steep terrain.  Obvious clues such as blowing snow will diminish as wind speeds taper today. Other clues to alert you to potential wind slabs include lens, pillow, or dune-shaped deposits of snow, cornices, and cracking or blocking under your sled or skis. If you see signs of unstable snow, consider moving to lower-angle slopes or sheltered terrain, or navigate around the drifted area.

     

     

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    An example of extreme terrain where wind slabs could exist. Trinity Chutes area pictured here, top of Avalanche Gulch. Photo from January 7th.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Small wet loose avalanches are possible today. You are most likely to encounter the problem on steep, solar aspects where the January California sun warms the snow surface, especially near rock outcroppings. While the January 6th melt-freeze crust covers much of the snow surface near and below treeline, it is thin in most locations and may break down quickly with solar input. On many aspects, dry snow from Monday's storm exists below the crust and is available for entrainment. Wet loose activity is possible above treeline today as well, if solar input is strong enough and winds remain light. 

    Monitor for signs of instability such as rollerballs and point releases, which indicate the potential for human-triggered wet loose avalanches. Wet snow often initiates at a single point and fans outward downslope. Consider moving to shadier aspects or gentler terrain if you see these signs of instability. 

    Rollerballs on a southeast aspect below treeline on January 7th

    (1/7/2026) Photo: Nick Meyers

Avalanche Discussion

About three feet of snow covers the ground at Castle Lake (5,400 feet) and the Mount Eddy weather station (6,600 feet), and over six feet at the Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta (7,600 feet). Snow surfaces are variable. At all elevations, skiers and riders will need to navigate a widespread breakable crust that is either on the snow surface or lurking beneath Thursday's low-density snow. Check out these recent observations from Gray Butte, Castle Lake, and the Old Ski Bowl. If you get out into the backcountry this weekend, please consider posting an ob! 

Clear weather and an upcoming weekend often prompt interest in climbing Mount Shasta, but winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Falling rime ice in Avalanche Gulch will be a concern—helmets are strongly recommended. Wind chill values will be severe, increasing the risk of environmental injuries such as hypothermia. Even minor incidents can become life-threatening without adequate preparation. While rescue may be possible, it should not be relied upon as immediate or guaranteed. A full mountaineering kit is advised: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. 

Most trailheads around the mountain are closed and not accessible by vehicle. Bunny Flat remains the best access for winter recreation and climbing. The Everitt Memorial Highway is plowed and open. All motorized users, please park below the restroom facility at Bunny Flat. Respect riding boundaries. Maps are available HERE, or at the trailhead. 

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