Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Happy New Year! Warm and wet weather is kicking off 2026. Unstable snow today is possible in the form of wet loose at lower elevations, and wind slabs at upper elevations. Expected avalanche size is small for both of these problems...none-the-less, pay attention out there as we move into a period of stormy weather.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Small, wet snow instabilities are possible today as warm temperatures persist and rain arrives. Southerly facing slopes may drain decently; northerly facing slopes could be more reactive. Watch for roller balls and pinwheels as early signs of wet loose avalanches. Expected size is small, but in steep terrain, sometimes wet snow can amass into a more significant avalanche and push riders into undesired terrain.

     

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In above-treeline alpine terrain, isolated wind slabs are possible. While not expected to be widespread, remain alert to changing conditions with the incoming storm systems. If wind-drifted snow is observed on steep slopes, consider alternate routes or lower-angle terrain. High snow levels will keep this problem confined to 9,000 feet and above.

Avalanche Discussion

Soggy bottoms might be today's primary hazard. All told, do pay attention out there as snow levels drop. Heavy snow and strong wind impact the mountains in the coming days. 

Winter has been grinding gears down a bumpy road this year, but you don't leave the vehicle, you put your seat belt on! Bunny Flat and Mount Shasta have a usable snowpack, with treeline (7,800 feet) holding 40 - 50 inches of snow. Over on the west side of the interstate, Castle Lake and the Eddy Mountains boast less, with 20–30 inches. Out on the east side of the mountain along the northeast crest, about 30–40 inches of snow is on the ground. Both Pilgrim Creek and Deer Mountain snowmobile parks are open with snow. Sand Flat Winter XC-Ski trails are open and available for recreation. The Mt. Shasta Ski Park is also open. Need equipment? Visit the BEST shop in the north state, The Fifth Season.

Yesterday, widespread clouds covered the sky with a low cloud deck near 9,500 feet. Snow surfaces were variable and moist all the way up to 10,000 feet or higher. Signs of avalanche danger were difficult to come by. Shallow buried obstacles still exist in many portions of the forecast area. Use caution; it's not quite "game on" yet. 

Creeks, streams and rivers remain open and are running well. Water levels will rise over the weekend. Use caution if crossing.

Check out a recent observation from Castle Lake area

Bunny Flat is a busy, multi-use trailhead. Please be respectful of ALL users. Motorized users, RV's, trucks with trailers/toy haulers: Please park below and downhill of the bathrooms and “Motorized Use”  loading ramp signs. 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. Citations are active.

Our super volunteer Rick Strasser will be helping direct traffic on weekends. Be kind, have patience, show gratitude - you have arrived. 

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