Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While unlikely, small wet loose avalanches are not impossible. Remain cautious on steep solar aspects, especially around rocky areas near and slightly above treeline. If you find yourself sinking into unconsolidated wet snow past your ankles, consider changing aspects or moving to gentler terrain. Powerful winds will remain an objective hazard in the alpine today. Others include slide-for-life surfaces, rockfall and icefall.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Cloud coverage overnight and above freezing temperatures resulted in a less solid refreeze. Strong westerly winds should help keep surfaces cooler through the day, especially on aspects facing the predominant flow. Any wet snow instabilities are most probable on protected and steep sun-exposed slopes near and slightly above treeline, especially those with rock outcroppings. Where snow-covered avalanche terrain exists below treeline, watch for signs of instability across all aspects.

    Ankle-deep boot penetration or greater into wet, unconsolidated snow should direct you to gentler terrain or colder aspects. Travel early to reduce your exposure to the instability and improve your chances of finding good conditions. While any resulting avalanche would be small, the consequences of being caught in extreme terrain are the greater hazard. Continue to give cornices a wide margin when traveling above and below them.

    (3/21/2026)

    A small (D 1.5) wet loose avalanche that occurred Friday afternoon in Powder Bowl. The slide was likely triggered by rockfall and ran approximately 200 feet. This is the type of extreme, isolated terrain near rock features to exercise caution around.

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Powerful winds remain a dominant element of today's weather. Cloud caps on Mount Shasta may also be common again, limiting visibility at high elevations. These conditions make it a poor day to be venturing high on the upper mountain. Check the Advisory page for additional details pertaining to climbing or give us a call if you have questions about planning your future trip: 530-926-9614. As always, stay alert for changing conditions and remain flexible with your objective if you observe signs of unstable snow or dynamic weather. We have received many fantastic public observations this season and are grateful to all of you who have done so. Please don't hesitate to continue your submissions as we move into the spring and even into the summer.  

Regions covered