Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

There is still a possibility of triggering a large avalanche above the treeline. Travel with care in complex terrain that harbors wind-blown snow such as near ridgetops and in gullies. Choosing wind-scoured areas, slope angles less than 30°, and observing for cracking or collapsing will reduce your odds of triggering a wind slab avalanche today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Following two days of no new snow and above freezing temperatures, wind slabs near treeline have softened and bonded with the existing snowpack. Above treeline, the snowpack has yet to strengthen as temperatures remained below freezing, with moderate amounts of snow being transported by strong to extreme northwest and west winds. Over the last three days, the wind direction has worked its way around the compass from south to northwest to southeast, then back to northwest and is now forecast to be southwest for the next 24 hours. With the transitory nature of the wind direction, it is possible that you could trigger a wind slab avalanche on ALL aspects above the treeline today, especially in complex terrain. 

    Pay attention to where wind-blown snow is transporting to while observing for deep, pillowy snow. If you observe any cracking, collapsing, and/or hollow sounding snow, you've found yourself a wind slab. Keeping your slope angle under 30° will prevent you from triggering an avalanche on this problem.

    (1/4/2025)

    Wind slab on Green Butte

    Photo: Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The snowpack is leaning towards a healing trend with avalanche hazard on the decline. With that, don't let your guard down in the backcountry today. Wind slabs still lurk above the treeline and you could trigger them on any aspect, especially in complex, heavily loaded terrain.

Yesterday, warm temperatures produced heavy and damp snow surfaces up to 9,000 feet. With the freezing level dropping overnight, it is likely that backcountry users will find a melt-freeze crust below and near the treeline today.

Regions covered