Mount Shasta

Avalanche problems

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Likely

  Size

  1–2.5

  The forecast zone has received 30-35" of snow since Saturday afternoon. Moderate to strong westerly winds have, and will continue to build slabs on leeward slopes. These slabs can be denser than the storm snow and shaped like lenses or pillows. In above treeline areas that still have old snow, bonding of new to old snow will be weak. Dense slabs could sit atop low density snow.

  Cornices are indicators of wind-loaded slopes. Shooting cracks and hollow, drum-like sounding snow are also indicators of wind-slabs. Avoid these slopes today, and any terrain that is underneath them. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely.

  Evaluate the snowpack carefully and be conservative when traveling in or near avalanche terrain.

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Storm slabs are short lived, but may still linger today. They occur when a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Be wary of steep slopes in wind sheltered areas greater than 35 degrees. The chutes on Gray Butte are often where this problem manifests.