Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger a dangerous avalanche on west, northwest, north, northeast, and east facing slopes near and above treeline. The most dangerous locations are steep convex rolls and wind-stiffened snow. Your safest terrain are protected slopes below 35°.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Despite the recent storm snow starting to consolidate, there are still isolated storm slab problems within the forecast area. A short period of graupel precipitation on Friday December 9 created a weak layer separating the December 8-9 and December 9-10 storm snow. Recently reported storm slab avalanches have been occuring 2-2.5 feet deep within the new snow on this graupel layer. Use quick assessment tools like hand pits, shovel shear tests, and small test slopes to evaluate steep terrain for this layer before committing.  Look for this problem's tell-tale clues such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and whumpfing collapses to indicate more conservative terrain is warranted. 

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Wind and new snow often go hand-in-hand and our recent December 9-10 snowstorm is no different. The new snow was relatively soft and unconsolidated during this storm period and was easily compacted by the wind into slabs. Wind slabs can take 1-3 days to heal after being formed. It's relatively easy on Mt. Shasta to access terrain near and above treeline where these wind slabs are most likely found. This includes areas of sparse tree cover, the leeward side of ridgelines, exposed bowls, and wind-affected convex rolls. Carefully evaluate terrain near and above treeline that might have wind compacted or transported snow. Look for stiffening snow, cornices, cracking underfoot, and smooth snow surfaces near ridgelines to indicate that winds slabs may be present.

Avalanche Discussion

The Everett Memorial Highway remains closed today at McBride Springs as crews continue removing the recent storm snow. No information is available yet as to a when the road will tentatively reopen. The gate to Castle Lake remains open but no information is available as to whether the road has been plowed.

Regions covered