Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Fresh snow and westerly winds will make it possible to encounter actively forming drifts on leeward aspects above treeline. Blowing snow, large shooting cracks, and collapsing underfoot are what to be on the lookout for. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Four inches of new snow with over half an inch of water has fallen near treeline, accompanied by moderate to strong west and northwesterly winds.  At the upper elevations, where temperatures are colder and winds are stronger, dryer snow will be easier to transport, with many firm surfaces to catch it. You can expect relatively small wind slab development in steep terrain on the leeward sides of ridgelines, convex slopes, and beneath rock outcroppings. Evidence of wind deposited snow, blowing snow, and newly textured surfaces are ways to gage the establishment of this problem. At lower elevations, the snow will be taxed with more water weight, making for a heavier and better-sticking new load. Below 5,000 feet, rain will likely fall on snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

Reminder: low danger does not mean no danger.

Here are some mountain hazards to consider. 

  • Variable conditions. Anticipate changing wet and heavy snow conditions as you travel.
  • Slide-for-life surfaces may still exist near and above treeline where wind has scoured knolls, ridges, and exposed windward aspects, leaving only bullet hard ice. These surfaces will present a polished and glazed appearance. A fall, or the loss of a snowmobile, would be nearly impossible to arrest. Be cautious when traveling on slick surfaces with exposed objects beneath.
  • Rock and ice fall. If ascending high on the upper mountain stay wary, as warming temperatures may increase the odds of this hazard.  

If you're curious about what's happening in the Eddy Mountains, view this observation taken yesterday. 

Regions covered