Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Even though the skies are clear, remember to pay attention to the wind. Fresh snow remains available for wind transport. Wind out of the north has and will continue to blow above treeline, loading southerly aspects. Watch for steep, open slopes near ridges and areas with cliffs or gullies where fresh, wind-blown snow has piled up. Huge cornices lurk along many ridgelines, too. Steer clear. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    People could still trigger wind slab avalanches large enough to bury them on steep, wind-loaded slopes today. Wind slabs could exist on almost any aspect due to shifting winds blowing snow back and forth across ridges. Some slabs are dense and wind compacted, some softer. In addition, huge cornices have formed along many ridgelines. Your best chance of encountering a wind slab will exist above treeline on Mount Shasta, Ash Creek Butte, high in the Eddy Mountains or along Middle Peak ridge in the Castle Lake area. Blowing snow, cornices above a slope, drifted snow, dense hollow-sounding snow, and wind-created surface textures all indicate the presence of wind slabs. Before committing to any slopes where wind slabs might exist, look for any signs of instability, like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, or unstable test results. If signs of instability or uncertainty about a slope exist, bypass that area and switch to sub-30-degree slopes without steeper terrain above.

Regions covered