Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. If traveling in the alpine, stay alert for isolated pockets of unstable wind-drifted snow and falling rime ice. A helmet is advised. At lower elevations, surface snow may lose cohesion on steep, sunny slopes as the day progresses. Consider moving to gentler or shadier terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering instabilities in wind-drifted snow are unlikely, but not impossible. Any slow-to-stabilize slabs will be found in isolated pockets at upper elevations. Shaded or sheltered areas holding locally deeper drifts—such as below ridgelines, in gullies, and around rock outcroppings—are the most likely places to find lingering instability. 

    Wind slabs may appear as smooth, pillow-shaped features on the terrain. Shooting cracks under your sled or skis are a clear sign of instability. Probe and assess for density changes, specifically hard snow over soft snow, as you travel.  If you see signs of unstable snow, consider moving to lower-angle or sheltered slopes, or navigate around the drifted area. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences in big terrain. 

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    An example of extreme terrain where wind slabs could exist. Trinity Chutes area pictured here, top of Avalanche Gulch. Photo from January 7th.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Despite plenty of rollerballs below, near, and even above treeline in the past two days, no wet loose avalanches have been observed. Another night of above-freezing temperatures combined with warmer afternoon highs and light winds today will further stress the cohesion of the upper snowpack. You are most likely to encounter the problem on steep (>35 degrees) solar aspects where the January California sun warms the snow surface, especially near rock outcroppings. 

    Monitor for signs of instability such as rollerballs or pinwheels, which indicate the potential for human-triggered wet loose avalanches. Wet snow often initiates at a single point and fans outward downslope. Consider moving to shadier aspects or gentler terrain if you see these signs of instability. 

     

    (1/9/2026)

    Old and new roller balls on south aspects near treeline. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

About two to three feet of snow covers the ground at Castle Lake (5,400 feet) and the Mount Eddy weather station (6,600 feet), and over six feet at the Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta (7,600 feet). Snow surfaces are a highly variable and sometimes hazardous patchwork of crusts (oftentimes breakable), wind-affected snow, and, if you're lucky, dry snow. Snow sleuths have reported some good areas for skiing and riding. 

Check out our observations page for more details on recent conditions from around the forecast area, including  Ash Creek Butte, Gray Butte, Castle Lake, and the Old Ski Bowl. 

Climbers: Despite sunny weather, winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Even minor incidents can become life-threatening without adequate preparation. Remain vigilant for falling rime ice. Major alpine rock features—including the West Face, Casaval Ridge, Trinity Chutes, Red Banks, Green Butte Ridge, and Sargents Ridge—are coated in thick, hard ice that could shed at any time. Minimize your exposure beneath these features and wear a helmet. A full mountaineering kit is advised: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently.A $25 Summit Pass is available at the Mount Shasta Ranger Station or for purchase by cash or card at Bunny Flat.

Bunny Flat remains the best access for winter recreation and climbing.  All motorized users, please park below the restroom facility at Bunny Flat. Respect riding boundaries. Maps are available HERE or at the trailhead. 

Regions covered