Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago.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

Wet snow instabilities remain unlikely but not impossible. Exercise caution on steep slopes where solar input and radiative heating from rocks have softened surfaces. If you encounter mushy or punchy snow, seek mellower terrain. Travel early in the day to set yourself up for success.

Mountaineering hazards include slide-for-life surfaces, rockfall, and strong winds aloft. Proficient use of crampons and ice axes is essential for safe travel on the upper mountain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    The recent shift to cooler weather, along with today’s high clouds, will limit the development of wet snow instabilities for most places. Areas of greatest concern will be on steep, isolated, sun-exposed terrain punctuated by rock outcroppings or below large cliff bands. As you travel, watch for surfaces losing cohesion and becoming punchy or unsupportive. The size of avalanche is not what’s necessarily concerning; it’s being caught in extreme terrain and taking a fall. 

    Today is all about timing. With high clouds present overnight, the snowpack may not have received as strong of a refreeze as temperatures suggest, and softer than expected surfaces may be present. Additionally, the window for finding quality riding conditions may be more variable. Travel early to reduce your exposure to wet snow instabilities and improve your chances of finding fun and safe conditions. Continue to give cornices a wide berth when traveling both above and below them.

    (3/21/2026)

    A small (D 1.5) wet loose avalanche that occurred Friday afternoon in Powder Bowl. The slide was likely triggered by rockfall and ran approximately 200 feet. This is the type of extreme, isolated terrain near rock features to exercise caution around.

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Recent signs of wet loose instabilities have been minimal, and today will likely be the last day for the wet loose avalanche problem as active weather returns. 

Climbing season is running well ahead of schedule, but please remember conditions can change on a dime and winter could return in full force, so don't hang your hat on having a solid climbing window moving forward. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details. Or give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. We'd love to help!

Here are a few points to consider if planning a trip: 

  • Mount Shasta should not be your first time using crampons and ice axe 
  • Come prepared with appropriate gear, training, and decision-making and risk management skills 
  • Regardless of Mount Shastas proximity to civilization, rescue is never a given 

Regions covered