Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

The heat wave continues. Stay alert for unstable wet snow on steep, warm slopes as the day progresses. Make plans to travel earlier in the day while snow surfaces are supportable. Move to mellower terrain if you observe loose, mushy, or greasy wet snow. 

Other mountain hazards include icefall, rockfall, and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. The proper gear and experience are essential on the upper mountain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Record warm temperatures, another poor overnight refreeze, and sunny skies keep wet loose on the problem list today. Watch for small, wet instabilities in the upper snowpack as the day heats up and surface crusts break down. Steep (>35 degrees), sunny slopes are most suspect, especially those near rocky terrain features, such as Powder Bowl and the south side of Casaval Ridge. Even small wet loose slides can be dangerous in extreme terrain like gullies or cliffs and on long, sustained slopes.

    Traveling earlier in the day while snow surfaces are firm and supportable can decrease your exposure to wet snow instabilities and increase your chances of finding quality skiing and riding conditions. If you observe signs that the upper snowpack is losing strength, such as rollerballs or sinking into mushy snow past your ankles, seek mellower or shadier terrain. Give cornices a wide berth when traveling both above and below them.

    (3/19/2026)

    Skier-triggered wet surface snow sliding on a shallow crust. The snow felt greasy as it slid atop the crust. South, 8,300 feet, 1pm. 

    Photo: Christian Jordan

Avalanche Discussion

While wet snow has been abundant this week, signs of unstable wet snow have been limited.  Still, spring conditions are dynamic and there is uncertainty regarding how the snowpack will adjust to a fifth consecutive day of record-setting heat. As always, it will be important to self-evaluate conditions as you travel through the backcountry. Be prepared to change your route or objective if you observe signs of unstable snow. 

Check out the recent observations for conditions updates from around the area. 

Climbing: The climbing season will be early and short this year. Mid‑April through June is usually prime time, but conditions are running far ahead of schedule. Climbing conditions are good right now, but honest self‑assessment is crucial. An expert may find Mount Shasta straightforward; a novice may have a very different day. Have the courage to turn back if your skills don’t match the terrain or conditions. Remain vigilant for icefall and rockfall from the upper mountain. Firm, icy surfaces with slide‑for‑life potential exist. A full mountaineering kit is non‑negotiable: 12‑point crampons (not microspikes), an ice axe, a helmet, and the skills to use them well. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details about climbing Mount Shasta. Feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. 

Events: Join us for the Backcountry Film Festival on Saturday, March 21st at Mountain Medics in Mount Shasta. Doors open at 530pm, films start at 7pm. We hope to see you there!

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