Lawinenlagebericht

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Mon
Hochgebirge
1 · Gering
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 6 months ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Wet snow instabilities will be most pronounced on steep, sunlit aspects near rock outcrops. Remain vigilant for small wind drifts in extreme alpine terrain. Manage these problems by avoiding steep, mushy slopes during the heat of the day and by assessing lens-shaped surfaces for shooting cracks.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    Hot and sunny weather will bear down on the forecast region. As daytime warming occurs, wet loose instabilities are expected to be specific to steep, sunlit slopes over 35 degrees near or below rock outcroppings. Rocks absorb solar energy and radiate it back into the surrounding snowpack, causing nearby surfaces to soften more quickly. These will be the first and most likely locations to soften to a point of instability. Steep micro-terrain features below treeline are other areas where wet snow instabilities are likely to develop. Any moving snow is not expected to exceed D 1.5 in size. 

    Recent wind deposits softened by the sun also hold a slight potential for wet snow instabilities. These deposits can be identified by their texture and scabby appearance. They've been observed beneath ridgelines, along the sides of gullies, and in terrain depressions.

    (3/7/2026)

    About 5 inches of wet and mushy snow adjacent to a rock outcrop near treeline on a 40-degree, south-facing aspect at 10:30 am.     

    Photo: Eric Falconer

  • Wind Slabs

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

    After three days of strong to extreme north winds, speeds have finally decreased, and winds have shifted back to the west. Small, isolated drifts may linger in pockets and alcoves of extreme terrain along prominent ridgelines and around rock outcrops. As you travel, watch for shooting cracks in lens-shaped surfaces that appear locally deeper than their surroundings and steer around these areas. Even a small slide can have big consequences.

    (3/7/2026)

    Mount Shasta getting hammered by northerly winds Saturday morning. Blowing and pluming snow was visible from I-5. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

A three-day north wind event over Mount Shasta has left many surfaces scoured and firm on the upper mountain. The warm weather will aid in softening these conditions but likely won't reach the same degree as mid and lower elevations. Because of this, make sure you pack the sharps if planning to travel above 10,000 feet, and stay aware of shedding rocks and rime ice off the upper mountain. 

Climbing: Despite the sunny weather in the forecast, it’s still winter high up on Mount Shasta. A winter ascent is significantly riskier than that of spring and requires a higher experience level. Extreme winds with frigid wind chills are forecast on the upper mountain today and through the work week. Expect variable snow surfaces and be prepared for icy, slide-for-life conditions. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. See the full Climbing Advisory page for more details about climbing Mount Shasta. 

The final Know Before You Go and Rescue Clinics of the season are this weekend. We hope to see you there!

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