Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Large human-triggered avalanches are possible in wind-drifted areas. Carefully evaluate the snowpack and consider the consequences before committing to avalanche terrain. Stick to sheltered slopes for safer travel and better snow quality. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It is possible to trigger a large avalanche in wind-drifted areas. Expect wind slab size and sensitivity to increase during the forecast period as new snow accumulates throughout the day and overnight.

    Recent snow and strong winds have formed slabs in exposed terrain. Yesterday, these slabs were reactive to the weight of a skier. Today, increasing southerly winds will have plenty of snow available for transport - both the recent, dry snow on the ground from earlier this week and any fresh snow that falls during the day. You are most likely to find this problem in leeward terrain on west through north through east aspects, especially below ridgelines, around rock outcroppings, and in gully features. Cross-loading may form slabs on southerly aspects as well, especially above treeline.

    Use test slopes to evaluate the snowpack before traveling in steep terrain (>35 degrees). Watch for blowing snow, fresh cornices, and pillow-shaped features to alert you to recently wind-drifted areas, and consider avoiding these slopes. Shooting cracks under your skis or machine are a clear sign of unstable snow.  Stick to wind-scoured or sheltered terrain to help manage this problem.

    (2/20/2026)

    A shooting crack on a wind-drifted convexity. Northeast, 6,100 feet.

    Photo: Christian Jordan

Avalanche Discussion

In the past week, observers have reported numerous natural slab and loose avalanches. Weak layers in the snowpack include widespread graupel and faceted snow on the north half of the compass, sometimes beneath a crust. These layers are buried about two to three feet deep. While feedback from the graupel and faceted layers has been limited, they are worth considering if you plan to travel in extreme terrain. Additional loading this weekend into next week will test the strength of these layers. Visit the observations page for more details.

Snow depths remain shallow on the west side of the forecast area. Visible and shallowly buried obstacles are abundant, as are open streams. Ski and ride with caution. 

Tree fall is a real hazard with strong to extreme winds this weekend. It would be prudent to avoid traveling in areas with standing dead trees.

Events this weekend:

We hope to see you there!

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