Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Previous west-southwest winds have left a myriad of firm and variable surfaces on exposed slopes. Above treeline, a slim possibility remains of encountering a wind slab in extreme, isolated terrain. Near and below treeline, generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Shooting cracks in wind stiffened snow is a red flag. Self-assess the snowpack and bring appropriate traction devices (crampons/ice axe) to decrease the risk of a slip and fall if venturing into the alpine. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Avalanche danger has largely been curtailed by the recent weather. However, this does not mean that danger does not exist. Above treeline in protected isolated terrain on south, east, and north aspects, triggering a lingering wind slab remains possible. Areas of concern are leeward rock features, protected bowls, gullies, and ridgelines where snow has previously been drifted and formed a pillow-like appearance. Terrain pockets hosting these locally deeper snow amounts, with a dense surface slab warrant investigation. Although unlikely, consequences are high. Small or big pockets of unstable snow can knock riders off their feet and carry them for a long, traumatic ride. Shooting cracks in wind stiffened snow is a red flag. However, red flags may not present themselves. Assess the snowpack before committing to wind loaded terrain. Choose less exposed terrain and slopes with clean run-outs, as ways to mitigate your risk. 

    Snow profile at 9,000 feet on an east aspect. 1 finger wind slab above fist hard snow. This interface did not produce propagation. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

While riding quality might not be so great, climbing conditions are. Ice and firm wind board will make ideal purchase for climbing. Nevertheless, these surfaces also pose a great risk of a slip and fall that would be uncontrollable if not immediately arrested. A winter ascent of Mount Shasta is not for the faint of heart. Fair weather can turn inclement in the blink of an eye and can catch even the most experienced climbers off guard. Be prepared! Know the route, have the right gear, and know how to properly use it.    

Over the days prior, the forecast region (especially Mount Shasta) has been at the mercy of the winds. These winds ushered in several inches of new snow with a relatively high water content. Freezing temperatures and hammering winds caused the snow to freeze and pack together, resulting in a strong, firm surfaces of wind board that exists over the majority of terrain near and above treeline. This has attributed to the decrease in avalanche danger. That, and the overall lack of snow available for transport.  

With an approaching storm, it's prudent to observe existing snow surfaces that will receive the new snow, and remember that today's snow surface may be tomorrow's weak layer.  

Regions covered