Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With recent new snow in the alpine, wind slabs may still persist in steep terrain on all north and east aspects. Exercise caution on slopes showing signs of wind effect. Warm weather will continue to weaken snow surfaces near and below treeline, making wet-loose avalanches possible across all aspects. Look for red flags like shooting cracks and rollerballs, which indicate unstable snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Due to a lack of freezing temperatures and rain-on-snow up to 8,000 feet yesterday, the top 30 cm of the snowpack near and below treeline has become wet and weak. Last night, mountain temperatures dropped to 28°F for several hours on Mount Shasta and near freezing levels in the Eddy Mountains. While this will improve surface stability today, it won't fully resolve the issue. An increase in daytime temperatures and sun exposure could cause the snowpack to rebound quickly. Areas without a surface crust, hold the highest potential for wet-loose activity.

    While wet snow exists across all aspects, this problem is most likely on steep southerly slopes receiving direct sunlight. If you sink into mushy snow deeper than your boot cuff or see rollerballs, it's time to exit avalanche terrain. Common start zones include rock outcroppings and convex terrain features. Identify where snow may become funneled and where terrain traps exist, as these factors can significantly increase the consequences of an avalanche.

    (4/2/2025)

    Roller balls on a W/SW aspect near treeline. Signs like this will indicate a rise in unstable surfaces today

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

  • Wind Slabs

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

    It's uncertain how much new snow fell above treeline due to limited observations, but it's safe to assume enough snow has accumulated to create wind slabs. Westerly winds have increased in speed and will remain active today, potentially furthering the development of this problem. Expect to find wind-loaded slopes on all north and east aspects, with cross-loading on northwest and southeast aspects. Areas of concern include directly below ridgelines, rollovers, rock outcroppings, and gullies, which act as catchment areas for wind-transported snow.

    Look for stripped surfaces and where snow is actively being blown to assess the activity of this problem and determine which areas to avoid. Test small, inconsequential slopes for shooting cracks and feel for density changes within the snowpack. To reduce your risk, travel on wind-scoured surfaces, and avoid very steep terrain displaying sings of wind effect. 

  • Cornices

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

    It’s that time of year when cornices start to drop! Best not to get too cozy around them, as they can fail unexpectedly and further back than anticipated. During the heat of the day is when they are most susceptible to failure. Avoid or limit your travels beneath them, and stay much further back from the edge of ridgelines. Keep bare earth or trees between you and the edge.

Avalanche Discussion

A recent observation to the Old Ski Bowl yesterday found a snow line of 8,000 feet, with a trace to 1 inch of new snow. Rain briefly fell on snow below 8,000 feet. Overall, the snowpack near and below treeline has absorbed significant water weight and held unconsolidated, unsupportable surfaces.

Mount Shasta and the northern portion of the Eddy Mountains have just experienced their first overnight re-freeze in several days. This will likely create a surface crust, leading to variable and potentially hazardous travel conditions. Exercise caution, as it's uncertain how quickly, if at all, this crust will soften in certain areas. In spots where no surface crust exists, wet-loose avalanches are more likely to develop.

Thinking about climbing Mount Shasta?

Currently, the Bunny Flat trailhead is inaccessible due to the closure of Everitt Memorial Highway. The Siskiyou County Road Department is awaiting new snow removal equipment, as their current snow blower is out of service. Snow removal will begin as soon as possible.

Climbers will need to start from the McBride Springs Campground, located lower down on the Everitt Memorial Highway. The route begins on a 4x4 road and follows the Cascade Gulch drainage up to Horse Camp. There is no continuous road all the way to Horse Camp, so route finding is required. This adds roughly an additional 3 miles and 3,000 feet of vertical gain to the climb. Once at Horse Camp, you're ready to tackle the mountain.

Climbing routes and conditions are in great shape. For more information on mountain hazards, required permits, and up-to-date conditions, check out our Climbing Advisory. 

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