Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely. As the weather turns, both wet and hard snow surfaces may pose a hazard in steep terrain. Monitor for signs and symptoms of wet, unstable snow, and come prepared for variable surface conditions and tools to arrest a fall. Remember: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Today will be a transition day for the snowpack. The shift to colder, cloudier, and more unsettled weather will reduce concerns for wet loose avalanches as the day progresses. That said, a slight chance remains for small, isolated wet snow instabilities to exist in extreme terrain near rock outcrops where surfaces are weakest from multiple nights without a refreeze. Use boot penetration to assess surface supportability as you travel, and consider the consequences of being knocked off your feet and taking a sliding fall. If you observe greasy snow atop a firm crust or sinking into mushy snow past your ankles, seek mellower terrain.  

    (3/28/2026)

    This is the type of terrain to exercise caution around.  A small, wet loose slide off Casaval Ridge that likely occurred Friday the 27th. Initiated on a steep, sunny slope beneath a large rock outcrop.

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

As the weather switches gears, the wet loose avalanche problem will take a short reprieve. However, you can expect this problem to return quickly following the storm.

If you’re headed into the backcountry today, come prepared for a mixed bag of snow and weather conditions. Stiff wind speeds, unforgiving surfaces, decreased visibility, and the potential for rain showers are some inherent risks to account for.  

March is coming to a close, and so are the “spring-like” conditions. A refresh of snow is on the way for Mount Shasta and a well-earned reset to many heavily textured surfaces. 

It has been a low-snow year for the Eddy Mountains. A recent helicopter-supported snow survey mission highlights the below-average snow depths and coverage. Read the full observation HERE. Snow depths measure about five feet at the Old Ski Bowl (7,600 feet) on Mount Shasta and one to two feet at Bunny Flat (6,900 feet).  

April is right around the corner and is typically an excellent time for ski mountaineering and climbing. If you’re planning a trip, have questions, or are interested in climbing, please give us a call at 530-926-9614—we’re happy to help. Also, be sure to check the Climbing Advisory page for further details. 

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