Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger is LOW, and avalanches are unlikely.  The only substantial snowpack in the forecast area exists above 8,000' on Mt. Shasta, leftover from several storms in late October and early November.  

Avalanche Discussion

After a very dry summer, a series of potent atmospheric river events in late October and early November brought well-above average amounts of water to Northern California, coating the upper elevations of Mt. Shasta with several feet of snow.  Above 8,000' this snowpack has persisted and transformed into a robust, well-consolidated base with a variety of surfaces.  The unseasonably warm weather of the past couple of weeks has melted much of the snow between 6-7,000' and produced spring-like, melt/freeze snow conditions on the mountain.  The snowpack is generally very well-bonded and dense.  The warm and sunny weather of late looks to change starting today, and the coming week will bring cooler temperatures, moderate to high winds, and some light precipitation.  This will not appreciably increase the avalanche danger on the mountain in the next couple of days, but it will limit the quality of skiing and riding due to frozen snow surfaces.  

The main concern on Mount Shasta for skiers and climbers is early-season riding conditions, rock and icefall, and slide-for-life conditions in steeper terrain. Bring an ice axe, a helmet, and crampons if ascending high into the alpine. Know how to use your equipment.

Are you new to winter backcountry adventures or just need a refresher? Now is the time to prepare for the season. Consider attending one of our avalanche awareness and companion rescue clinics to review your knowledge and skills. The first classes are December 11th and 12th:

The USFS National Avalanche Center also provides a nice Avalanche Tutorial.

Tree cutting and 4x4 activity is not allowed at Bunny Flat. Review your tree cutting and motorized vehicle maps.

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