Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You could trigger small avalanches on wind loaded slopes near and above treeline, and on southerly aspects that receive the most sun, below and near treeline. The likelihood of triggering either of these avalanche problems is highest in wind drifted snow and in extreme terrain that is steep and rocky. Travel with caution near these snow and terrain features today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday through early this morning, northerly hurricane-force wind transported snow onto south aspects. At wind speeds this high, much of the snow blew up into the dry atmosphere and melted or sublimated in the sunshine. Wind slabs are mostly likely to form in protected areas of extreme terrain and further downslope than usual. Watch for drifting snow accumulating and cracking or collapsing. 

    (3/10/2024)

    Cracking, a red flag that indicates you found a wind slab

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As the wind dies down and the warming trend ramps up today, wet loose avalanches will be possible near and below treeline. Loose avalanches release at a single point and fan out as they travel down slope. While these avalanches are typically shallow, they could knock you off of your sled or skis, carrying you into trees or over cliffs. Observe for early indicators of snow surface warming and instability such as melting snow, roller balls, and snow sticking to your skins. Travel with caution around steep areas above terrain traps, especially those slopes receiving sunshine.

    (1/4/2024)

    Small wet loose avalanches on the east side of Green Butte

    Photo: Cory Beattie

Avalanche Discussion

As we head into a dry and warm period of weather that tells us spring is just around the corner, we can't let our avalanche guard down just yet. This first significant warm-up of the year will bring clear skies that will allow the March sun to warm the snow surface rapidly, and even in areas where the sun doesn't reach, wet loose avalanches could still occur as freezing levels climb up to 10,000 feet. In addition, cornices are nearing their critical mass for the season and as this weather trend continues, these large ridgetop drifts will weaken and may naturally fall onto a slope that could trigger an avalanche.

There is a variety of snow surfaces out there. As the day progresses, crust will transform to slush. The timing of your backcountry travel combined with fresh wax on your planks will help preserve your knees.

The Everitt Memorial Highway is OPEN. Castle Lake road is still closed.

Regions covered