Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Be mindful of steep terrain near and above treeline where you see active blowing snow.  Light southerly wind may form sneaky wind slab avalanche danger. Plenty of dry snow remains available for wind transport. A winter storm warning is in effect beginning tomorrow morning at 4am. Anticipate rising avalanche danger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The robust January 31st storm began wet and finished dry, bringing a compact 2 feet of fresh snow to the area. Stability tests have indicated good bonding to old snow surfaces. Wind effect has been minimal. This means that plenty of cold, dry snow remains available for the hand of Mother Nature. The wind forecast indicates light southerly wind today, but higher elevation exposed terrain could see moderate wind speeds, capable of moving snow. Visible blowing snow and shooting cracks are a red flag warning sign of this type of avalanche problem. Pay attention to areas of deeper, drifted snow. Travel around slopes steeper than 35 degrees where you find these snowpack characteristics. Be aware of cornices: don't travel on or under them.

    Example of a wind slab cracking, a sign of the wind slab problem

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have ranged from 12F to 29F at treeline on Mount Shasta. Snow on the ground measures 110 inches. Wind has blow primarily out of the WNW, averaging 8-13 mi/hr. In the Castle Lake and Mount Eddy zones, 41 and 68 inches of snow remains on the ground, respectively. Snow surfaces have been cold, smooth and creamy with sub freezing daytime temps and minimal sunshine keeping things fresh. Yesterday, forecasters ventured onto the south side of Mount Shasta to 9,000 feet, as well as west of the interstate into the Gray Rocks Lakes area. While obvious signs of unstable snow were hard to come by, plenty of low density snow remains available for wind transport. Light to moderate wind speeds can be ideal for active wind loading in avalanche terrain. None have ventured into upper elevation terrain on Mount Shasta since the January 31st storm. If you find yourself up there today, a little extra caution is warranted for wind slab danger in steep terrain. A skier triggered slide is possible and could be big enough to bury you. Bunny Flat has been popular for snowmobile riders. A local etiquette reminder for motorized users to park rigs below the restroom facility. Trucks with sled decks can park standard style, nose into the bank; trailers can parallel park down the Everitt Memorial Highway. Please make sure to maintain two-way traffic flow in and out of the trailhead. Know your riding boundaries. It only takes one stray to give us all a bad name.

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