Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

Highlights

Monitor pockets of previously drifted snow on leeward aspects above treeline before committing to steeper wind loaded terrain. As precipitation totals increase through the day, watch for blowing snow to idenfity areas where new wind slabs may be forming. Seek mellower terrain if you experience shooting cracks underfoot.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday, small wind slabs formed under northwest winds were reactive to skier input and may remain possible to trigger today near and especially above treeline. Moderate ENE winds last night through this morning could have formed newer slabs even smaller in size. 

    Precipitation will increase through the day with 1 - 3 inches expected at the Old Ski Bowl by 4 pm. This new snowfall combined with S to SE winds may contribute to slab formation in the afternoon. The hazard will increase overnight into tomorrow as storm totals increase.  

    New and previous drifts will be confined to leeward aspects below ridges, rock outcrops, in gullies and beneath rollovers. They will be most sensitive above treeline in terrain steeper than 35 degrees. Assess drifts for reactivity and manage them through conservative travel or avoidance. Small avalanches in extreme terrain can have still have serious consequences.

    (2/9/2026)

    A reactive ~ 6 inch wind slab on a leeward aspect near treeline

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Another round of active weather begins today with 5 to 8 inches of snow expected to fall through tomorrow. Significantly more precipitation is anticipated over the weekend into next week. Be prepared for dynamic conditions in the days to come.

Yesterday, surfaces above and near treeline were a patchwork of firm scoured terrain and drifted snow from the most recent storm. High humidity on February 8th contributed to crust development on surfaces that previously had little to none, which added some strength to areas of faceted snow on the surface. However, this crust may not be universally present across the zone due to localized differences in weather. Forecasters will continue monitoring areas of weak snow as conditions change and larger storms approach.

Regions covered