Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Fri
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
1 · Gering
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 7 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

A touch of fresh snow combined with moderate westerly winds has formed wind slabs above treeline on Mount Shasta. Small avalanches are possible in wind‑drifted areas. Evaluate wind‑loaded features carefully for signs of instability, especially in the alpine and upper reaches of the forecast area. Underlying surfaces remain firm, so an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet are essential for any steep terrain.

Stay alert to changing weather. Clouds can obscure visibility quickly on the upper mountain. Don’t climb into a whiteout.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Mount Shasta picked up 2 inches of new snow the night before last, accompanied by moderate westerly winds above treeline. Yesterday, small wind slabs were observed and moderately reactive, and this problem will persist today in exposed alpine terrain. While you're unlikely to encounter anything large enough to bury you, slabs big enough to knock you off balance are certainly possible.

    Watch for blowing snow and pay attention to where it’s drifting. Wind slabs often form below leeward ridgelines, around rock outcrops, and in gullies, and they may present as lens‑, pillow‑, or dune‑shaped deposits. Assess slopes carefully for signs of instability before committing to steeper terrain. If you notice red flags such as recent avalanches, cracking, or blocking, shift to lower‑angle slopes, seek more sheltered terrain, or avoid the drifted area altogether. In extreme terrain or where firm bed surfaces exist, even small avalanches can have serious consequences.

Avalanche Discussion

At 9 a.m. yesterday at Bunny Flat, only three cars sat in the lot—an eerie sight considering the fresh snow. Among the many things one might lose hope about these days, deep powder shouldn’t be one of them. Winter will return; it always does. Endurance is simply patience concentrated.

Treeline on Mount Shasta currently holds 67 inches of snow, with 24 inches at Castle Lake, 28 inches beneath Mount Eddy, and 40 inches out toward Ash Creek Butte. Winter recreation remains possible in most areas, but conditions are undeniably haggard. The recent snowfall was minimal, and winds have redistributed it, leaving scabby coverage and plenty of old surfaces exposed, especially above treeline. Low‑angle gullies near and below treeline offer the best skiing, though even there, “rough” is the prevailing theme.

Climbers should continue to keep a close eye on the weather. Even when it’s not actively snowing or blowing, clouds can quickly obscure the upper mountain. Never climb into a whiteout—there’s no view from the summit if you can’t see your feet. Carry reliable navigation tools and know how to use them. And remember: a winter ascent of Mount Shasta is a very different undertaking than the friendlier conditions of spring. Key hazards include firm, icy surfaces that can create slide‑for‑life scenarios, rime icefall, sudden loss of visibility, and cold wind chills.

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