Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A powerful winter storm has arrived, and will continue for the next 24 hours. Today, avalanche danger will rise rapidly across the forecast area with one to two feet of new snow and strong southerly wind. Below treeline, human-triggered avalanches are likely, and natural avalanches are possible. Near and above treeline, travel in, near, or beneath slopes greater than 30 degrees is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Storm slab development is very likely today on all aspects below and near treeline. Widespread avalanche activity is expected, both natural and human-triggered. Peak storm slab instability will be this afternoon through the evening, during maximum snowfall rates. In the next 24 hours, 20–24 inches of new snow is expected above 4,000 feet, with up to 36 inches above 6,000 feet. Large avalanches could result, capable of burying and/or killing you. To avoid this issue, stay off of and out from underneath steep slopes greater than 30 degrees. 

    (1/20/2024)

    A natural storm slab avalanche from the 2023-24 season

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

    In the next 24 hours, wind slabs are likely to form on W-NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near and above treeline. Starting early this morning, wind direction has shifted to the southwest, and is expected to stay that way throughout the day. Wind speeds will be moderate to strong, with potential extreme speeds above treeline. With feet of new snow and powerful wind expected, it won't take long for leeward slopes to overload and destabilize. Expect these slabs to be reactive to a trigger such as a ski cut or snowmobile track. Natural avalanches are likely, and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.

    (1/4/2025)

    Nearly two foot deep crown of an intentionally triggered wind slab avalanche in Sun Bowl

    Photo: Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today is a transition day for the forecast area. An active weather pattern has begun, that will likely last through the weekend. One to two feet of new snow is expected above 4,000 feet, with 3 feet possible at areas above 6,000 feet. It's time to turn that avalanche mindset back on. If you're going into the backcountry, choose your objective and commitment level wisely. Snowpack instability will rise quickly, making natural and human triggered avalanches possible-likely on all aspects and elevations. In classic Shasta fashion, this new snow will include a moderate-strong southerly wind. Expect visibility to be minimal or nonexistent at upper elevations. Below treeline, careful snowpack assessment and safe travel technique will be critical. Near and above treeline, travel in, near, or beneath slopes greater than 30 degrees is not recommended.

Regions covered