Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

As winter weather commences yet again today, so will the avalanche danger. West and southwest winds will increase the hazard for wind slabs on leeward slopes steeper than 30 degrees as the day progresses. At the upper elevations human triggered avalanches are likely. Seeking wind-sheltered areas and using appropriate terrain travel techniques will be your best defense against this problem. Watch for blowing snow and the direction of where it is moving, along with feeling for textured or cohesive snow to better inform you on areas worth avoiding.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The risk of triggering a wind slab now exists on all aspects near and above treeline. In the last 24 hours, winds have predominantly been blowing from the south-southeast at light to moderate speeds. Short-lived this shift was, it has created concern for wind drifts on westerly aspects and cross-loaded slopes on northwest north and northeast aspects.

    Currently the wind has shifted back to its favoring westerly direction, allowing for the continuation of wind drifts to build and become even larger and more deadly. 

    (2/27/2023)

    Assessing for cracking in wind drifted snow on an inconsequential test slope. 

    Photo: E.Falconer

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The storm slab problem will quickly ramp back up today and become problematic at all elevations, especially near and above treeline on steep convex terrain where more than six inches of new snow has fallen. Watch for increasing snow loads and use inconsequential and representative test slopes to assess for snow that wants to slide easily. The best signs of unstable snow are the ones mother nature will provide you with. These include recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and whumpfing noises. If observed, re-assess your plans and avoid such areas. 

Avalanche Discussion

Approach the backcountry with a strategic mindset today and have multiple plans in your back pocket. As we dive into another round of weather, it's important to stay diligent and have self-initiative to look at and feel the snow to better understand what's going on. Please, if you see any avalanche activity or interesting findings, we'd love to hear about them. You can send any observations to our website site Mount Shasta Avalanche Center big blue (submit avalanche Observation) button, or email us at [email protected]. A little goes a long way! 

 Remember...

"Today's snow surface may be tomorrow's weak layer."

"When snow is the problem, terrain is the solution."

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN

Regions covered