Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Northerly winds have and will continue to drift snow onto west, south, and east aspects. Heightened avalanche danger remains near features that encourage drifting. Reduce your risk by traveling on scoured surfaces or by avoiding steep leeward slopes.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have blown at critical speeds for wind slab formation for nearly 24 hours. A north wind will continue to blow today, reducing in speed at mid-elevations as the day advances. Drifts will be present near and above treeline on east, south, and west aspects. Areas of concern are directly under the leeward sides of ridgelines, cliff bands, gullies, and convex rolls. Terrain features that hold such characteristics should be assessed with care. Identify slopes beneath scoured ridgelines and surfaces, as these areas likely harbor pockets of wind slab. Observing for signs of instability and conservatively managing your terrain is the best way to reduce your risk. 

    (2/26/2024)

    Snow drifting onto the leeward side of a ridgeline. Blowing snow, textured surfaces, and cornices are bulls eye clues of how you can identify and anticipate this problem. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Effects from yesterday's small storm can be found HERE. Today, winds look to remain active above 9,000 feet, with the potential for calmer speeds and less blowing snow below. If this proves to be true, avalanche danger near treeline may decrease to Low. However, as we've said in the past, “never underestimate a north wind!”

You don't need a weatherman to tell you the wind is blowing. Watching for blowing snow is the best way to interpret wind speed, direction, and its effect on the snowpack. Snow moves in the direction the wind is coming from. Wind can deposit snow three to five times faster than it can fall from the sky, with optimal loading rates in the moderate to strong categories (15 - 25 mph). Plumes of snow may be visible off the upper portions of Mount Shasta. These elevations bands are where winds are strongest and responsible for the sublimation and eroding of surfaces on windward aspects.

Very large cornices have been observed on many ridgelines throughout the forecast zone. A gentle reminder to give these features plenty of space and respect. 

Access to Bunny Flat and Mount Shasta remains prolonged. Alternative options for winter recreation include McBride Springs, the Nordic Center, Mount Shasta Ski Park and Pilgrim /Deer Mountain OSV parks. Snow machines have been using the FS 31 road and power lines to access the Old Ski Bowl. Riders, know your boundaries, it's your responsibility. Please drive slow through local neighborhoods.

Regions covered