Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It's been a steady trickle of new snow paired with productive wind over the past several days. Windy, exposed avalanche terrain near and above treeline is where backcountry users should use most caution today. Wind slabs on steep, leeward slopes could be human-triggered. 

The holiday weekend will bring a steady dose of cold temperatures, wind and snow. This morning we are in a lull between storms. Strong SW-W-NW wind will continue on and a decent spurt of precipitation will kick back in later this afternoon and evening. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Above 7,000 feet, the winter backcountry begins to feel much more winter-like: colder temps, dryer snow, stronger wind...and this is where one should use most caution in avalanche terrain. Southwesterly flow over the past couple days has likely formed wind slabs along ridges and bowls. We had one natural hard slab avalanche observed off Green Butte Ridge, sliding into Avalanche Gulch earlier this week. Pay attention to wind blowing snow and note where it's going. Mount Shasta can also create funky wind loading patterns due to the sheer size and shape, so again, pay attention to the subtleties of wind, snow and slope aspect. Some slopes can get cross-loaded. During strong wind events, wind can deposit snow further down the slope than normal. Test for wind slabs by stomping on wind drifts and roll-overs in safe terrain. If you see blocking or shooting cracks, then wind slabs may be forming in terrain near you.

Avalanche Discussion

  • The Everitt Memorial Highway is OPEN
  • Sand Flat Winter Cross-Country Ski Trails are OPEN
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek and Deer Mountain snowmobile parks are OPEN

Regions covered