Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Highlights

Spring weather returns after a midweek storm. Small human-triggered avalanches remain possible in wind-drifted areas. Watch for signs of instability like blowing snow and cracking, and choose wind-scoured or mellower terrain to minimize this hazard. Unstable wet snow may develop on steep, sunny slopes as the day warms up. 

Be prepared for variable travel conditions, including firm, icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. Icefall on the upper mountain is the real deal right now. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds have transported this week's few inches of fresh snow into small slabs. Yesterday, some of these slabs were reactive to the weight of a skier. 

    Shifting wind directions during and after the storm means you could find a wind slab on any aspect today. Steep areas below ridgelines and in gullies are particularly suspect, especially on the upper mountain. North/northeast winds last night and this morning may form new, sensitive slabs on leeward terrain features. 

    Watch for clues like blowing snow and pillow or dune-shaped surfaces to alert you to potential wind slab locations, and consider avoiding these slopes. Move to mellower or wind-scoured terrain if you observe signs of unstable snow, like cracking. Even small avalanches can have big consequences in extreme terrain. 

    (4/2/2026)

    Cracking on a wind-drifted terrain feature. 

    Photo: Christian Jordan

  • Loose Wet

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

    Keep an eye out for unstable wet snow as the day progresses and temperatures warm.

    Steep (>35 degrees), sunny, wind-drifted slopes with more than a few inches of soft snow are most likely to develop the problem, especially near rocky terrain features. Steer clear of these slopes during the heat of the day. If you observe signs that the snow surface is losing strength, such as fresh rollerballs or sinking into wet snow past your ankles, move to mellower or shadier terrain.

    (3/28/2026)

    Recent wet loose activity off of Casaval Ridge. Steep slopes below rocky terrain features are most likely to develop the problem today. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Plan for variable conditions in the backcountry today. Yesterday, observers found a medley of snow surfaces in Avalanche Gulch, including windboard and ice. Caution is warranted in the coming days as snow surfaces transition back to supportable melt-freeze crusts. Shallowly buried obstacles abound under the recent snow at lower elevations.

The warmest and driest March in the Mount Shasta area since at least 1948 is over. About five feet of snow remains at the Old Ski Bowl (7,600 feet) on Mount Shasta, with much shallower depths on the west side in the Eddy Mountains.

Climbing: Current hazards include icefall, rockfall, and firm, icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential.  A full mountaineering kit is non‑negotiable: 12‑point crampons (not microspikes), an ice axe, a helmet, and the skills to use them well. We can't stress it enough -- please be prepared and know how to use your equipment. Have the courage to turn around if the weather, your skills, or anything else just doesn't feel right. The mountain will be there next time. Managing risk means recognizing and correcting small issues early, before they compound into a situation with serious consequences. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details, including updated trailhead access information. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. 

Survey: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for backcountry skiers and boarders to manage human factors. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Click HERE to particate. Thank you for your help!

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