Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Human triggered avalanches are possible where new snow has and may continue to drift onto leeward aspects during the day. Look for visual clues like lens shaped deposits, wind textured surfaces and for blowing snow. Shooting cracks or small failures on test slopes could help to identify if problem exists on larger features. Lingering instabilities in storm snow may exist is very steep terrain (>40 degrees) below and near treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Yesterday, very isolated and stubborn cracking was observed on small wind loaded features near and below treeline. Overall, no glaring red flags in this elevation band were noted. There is uncertainty regarding reactivity at the uppermost elevations of Mount Shasta where winds are stronger, slabs may be more sensitive and observations lacking. Today, lingering storm slab instabilities may be present on very steep slopes (>40 degrees) in sheltered areas. However, the greater hazard is in areas where new snow has and may continue to drift into leeward terrain. This includes areas beneath ridgelines, around rock outcroppings and on the sides of cross loaded gullies. Wind loaded features may appear rounded, or lens shaped and exhibit some degree of surface texture. If possible, use small test slopes to identify if a slab is present and reactive before venturing into larger terrain. Watch for blowing snow to identify slopes that are being actively loaded. 

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

Since December 31st, the Old Ski Bowl weather station has recorded about 7.5 inches of water. Not a bad number! Unfortunately, high freezing levels resulted in only around 30 inches of snow accumulation. Yesterday, temperatures dropped during the final wave of moisture that blanketed many lower elevation slopes with around a foot of snow. Riding conditions were excellent and hopefully persist today. In combination with the Christmas storm, Mount Shasta City is now about 76% above average for precipitation since October 1.

Regions covered