Mount Shasta

Lawinenprobleme

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  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2.5

  A strong south and southeast wind has installed drifts on wind-exposed leeward slopes and are most pronounced at the upper elevations. You will most likely encounter these drifts near or below ridgelines, rollovers, or wind-exposed features such as gullies and depressions that have had time to collect drifted snow. Accompanying the wind, copious amounts of snow will increase the sensitivity and size of these drifts thought out the day. Drifts remain possible in any location that receives consistent wind loading, so it's important to not become complacent towards certain areas. Be on the lookout for shooting cracks and recent avalanche activity indicating unstable snow and to avoid such areas.

  

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  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Very Likely

  Größe

  1–2

  One to three feet of new snow will fall on a variety of surfaces, the majority of which will act as a good bed surface for snow to slide on. As snow amounts rapidly accumulate, so will the chances of triggering a storm slab. Luckily, you can drastically reduce that risk by avoiding being on or near slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Terrain management is key. Storm slabs usually break over convex rolls or along shallow areas like cliff bands or ridgelines. With cold temperatures present in the mountains, storm snow will not have the chance to bond easily and will be pushed over its threshold as addition snow is loaded. Heed to natural signs of instability such as recent avalanches and shooting cracks.   

  

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  Loose Dry

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Very Likely

  Größe

  1–1.5

  Dry-loose avalanches will become a problem due to the sheer amount of snow and the inadequate time allowed for the snow to bond. This problem is likely to occur on any slope steeper than 30 degrees or areas where snow is being pushed downhill. A dry-loose slide may additionally cause storm slabs or wind slabs to release and result in a much more significant and traumatic avalanche. Dry-loose snow will want to pile up in concavities or narrow spaces, so identifying and avoiding terrain traps will greatly aid you against this problem.