Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With snow available for transport and winds beginning to orbit and blow from an east and northeast direction, wind slabs remain possible on all aspects near and above treeline. Wind drifted snow and cross-loaded slopes will be most likely on or below ridgelines, along convex rolls, and on mid-slope depressions where snow has had time to collect. Pay attention to blowing snow and changes in wind direction to help create a picture of how this problem is developing. Avoiding areas with hollow sounding wind pillows and slopes that are actively being wind-loaded is a great way to widen your margin of safety.     

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds are shifting around the compass in a counterclockwise direction and will blow predominantly out of the east and northeast today. Southerly and westerly aspects will see additional wind transport and cross-loading.  As wind drifted snow becomes more widespread, identifying areas that host a deeper than average amount of snow, large wind pillows, and a dense cohesive upper snow layer are likely locations where this problem is most prevalent. Wind catchment zones like deep chutes, gullies, and pockets beneath ridgelines are important to remain mindful of. 

    (3/20/2023)

    Evidence of snow transport in the form of wind ripples is a common theme these days in the alpine terrain. 

    Photo: E.Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Overall, lingering instabilities within the snowpack have not been observed since the last avalanche cycle. At lower elevations the snowpack seems to be transitioning to a homogenous consistency as spring approaches. Although signs and observations of wind slabs have been limited, the upper elevations are still experiencing visible wind effects and we encourage riders to stay diligent with their travels and snowpack assessments. 

Cloudy skies and cold temperatures are keeping the wet-loose problems at bay for the times being. 

As spring approaches and bigger mountain objectives spark interest, I like to begin to think about what practices I want to impart on myself and my partners to have a safe and successful backcountry mission. This looks like planning ahead and preparing for the weather. Making sure my timing aligns with the weather. Checking climbing gear for wear and tear. Scraping the rust off my technical rope skills and climbing skills.  And easing into the waters to feel the temperature before diving straight into the deep end. All in all, it's important to remember that you're not just negotiating with yourself, you're negotiating with a mountain!  

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • MS Ski Park/Nordic Center - OPEN

Regions covered