Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With snow available for transport and winds blowing from the north, fresh wind slabs will develop on the bottom half of the compass. Easterly aspects that have previously seen wind loading remain a concern at the upper elevations. Watch for blowing snow and newly forming wind drifts. Observe for signs of recent avalanche activity to help indicate where areas of snow may still be unstable. Stay vigilant in your travel methods in or around slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Today the winds will blow from the north. New wind slabs will develop over the duration of the day with estimated depths of one foot on specific leeward slopes. Northeast and easterly aspects have seen the largest amounts of wind-loading over the days prior and remain a threat that should not be discredited. With cold temperatures in place, wind drifts are likely to be found most sensitive on steep leeward shady aspects.

    (2/28/2023)

    Wind lips like this will be useful clues to indicate previous wind direction and slopes to avoid below.

    Photo: E.Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

With differences in snowfall amounts and wind activity, it's safe to say there is spatial variability of wind slabs and the presence of storm slabs over the forecast zone. Observations have been limited to near and below treeline only, with reports of touchy wind slabs and diminishing storm slab conditions on leeward slopes near treeline in the mountains west of I-5. 

The sun will begin to impact solar aspects today as it climbs higher into the sky. Cold temperatures won't combat the rapid effects the sun can cause on snow surfaces. Riders should be wary of snow beginning to slab up on solar aspects and wanting to move in steep terrain. Point releases and roller balls are both clues that the snowpack is experiencing warming.

Below treeline the snowpack has been steadily settling, relinquishing the storm slab and dry-loose problem. A lack of precipitation and sunny weather should also contribute to the settlement of the snowpack at upper elevations in the days to come.    

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED. The gate is closed this morning. 
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED

Regions covered