Mount Shasta

A largely stable snowpack pervades the forecast area. Danger from avalanches is low and normal caution is advised. Today marks a tranisition to a more active period of weather with light precipitation beginning this evening. 

Natural and human triggered avalanches are unlikely today. If you are to encounter one, they will most likely be small wind slabs in isolated pockets near upper elevation ridges on Mount Shasta. Rollerballs and pinwheels have been noted in the preceding days on solar aspects near and below treeline. However, wet loose avalanches have not been observed. Widespread surface crusts are present but will likely soften today. If surfaces become cohesionless due to meltwater, consider changing to a shadier aspect. 

Yesterday, an additional very large wind slab avalanche was spotted from afar in Diller Canyon on Shastina's west flank. The slide likely ran during the natural avalanche cycle that occurred on December 26th, that produced a similar event in Avalanche Gulch. Running over 3,500 vertical feet and 2 linear miles, this is truly a wonder to behold. Photos are attached below. 

Bunny Flat has been extraordinarily busy over the extended holiday. Motorized users, please park trailers and toy haulers below the “Motorized Use”  loading ramp signs at Bunny Flat. Loading and unloading at the ramp is permitted, but all vehicles and trailers must be moved and parked afterward. Motorized use is restricted to designated areas. Posted signage with QR codes provides maps of approved motorized zones. The Wilderness boundary is clearly signed.

While snow depths are still shallow below treeline, Mount Shasta harbors the most usable snowpack for winter recreation. In the western half of zone, the snowpack in the Eddy mountains is still thin and another couple of storms are needed to fill out the terrain. Motorized use is limited mostly to roads. Skiing is possible in select areas, primarily northerly facing aspects where snow depths are greatest. Please visit our observations page to learn more about current conditions across the area and consider submitting one yourself. Public observations are incredibly valuable, and we would love to hear from you.