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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet snow instabilities may develop on steep slopes as the day heats up. Travel early while snow surfaces are most supportable, and move to mellower terrain if you observe rollerballs or mushy snow. Remain vigilant for small areas of unstable wind-drifted snow above treeline. 

Be prepared for variable travel conditions, including firm, icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. Icefall on the upper mountain is the real deal right now. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small wet snow instabilities are possible today with warm temperatures and strong solar input. Steep (>35 degrees), sunny, wind-drifted slopes with more than a few inches of soft snow are most likely to develop the problem, especially near rocky terrain features. 

    Most of the upper snowpack is capped by wind-packed snow or melt-freeze crusts of varying strengths. Once these surfaces break down, wet loose hazard will rise as the recent soft snow beneath becomes available for entrainment. 

    Make plans to travel earlier in the day while snow surfaces are most supportable. If you observe signs that the upper snowpack is losing strength, such as rollerballs, greasy snow atop a firm crust, or sinking into mushy snow past your ankles, seek mellower or shadier terrain.

    (3/28/2026)

    Recent wet loose activity off of Casaval Ridge. Steep slopes below rocky terrain features are most likely to develop the problem today. 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Strong northeast winds over the past 24 hours have moved recent snow above treeline. Remain vigilant for small, sensitive wind slabs on leeward terrain features. Steep areas below ridgelines and in gullies are the most likely to harbor slabs, especially on the upper mountain. 

    Watch for clues like blowing snow and pillow or dune-shaped surfaces to alert you to potential wind slab locations, and consider avoiding these slopes. Move to mellower or wind-scoured terrain if you observe signs of unstable snow, like cracking. Even small avalanches can have big consequences in extreme terrain. 

    (4/2/2026)

    Cracking on a wind-drifted terrain feature. 

    Photo: Christian Jordan

Avalanche Discussion

Plan for variable conditions in the backcountry today. Yesterday, observers found a medley of snow surfaces in the Old Ski Bowl, including windboard and ice. Caution is warranted in the coming days as snow surfaces transition back to supportable melt-freeze crusts. Shallowly buried obstacles abound under the recent snow at lower elevations.

The warmest and driest March in the Mount Shasta area since at least 1948 is over. About five feet of snow remains at the Old Ski Bowl (7,600 feet) on Mount Shasta, with much shallower depths on the west side in the Eddy Mountains.

Climbing: Current hazards include icefall, rockfall, and firm, icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential.  A full mountaineering kit is non‑negotiable: 12‑point crampons (not microspikes), an ice axe, a helmet, and the skills to use them well. We can't stress it enough -- please be prepared and know how to use your equipment. Have the courage to turn around if the weather, your skills, or anything else just doesn't feel right. The mountain will be there next time. Managing risk means recognizing and correcting small issues early, before they compound into a situation with serious consequences. Check the Climbing Advisory page for more details, including updated trailhead access information. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip - 530-926-9614. 

Survey: Researchers Ian McCammon and Sara Boilen are developing new tools for backcountry skiers and boarders to manage human factors. This survey asks about personal experiences with human factors and will take 7-8 minutes to complete. Click HERE to participate. Thank you for your help!

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