Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Winter conditions will return to the region today. Avalanche hazards will grow more dangerous as the day progresses. New snow will allow for strong northwest winds to craft drifts on W-SW-S-SE-E-NE aspects near and above treeline. The speeds at which these drifts are formed make human-triggered avalanches likely. Approach the backcountry with caution. Look for red flags like cracking and blocking underfoot or recent avalanches. Assess representative slopes, and avoid terrain steeper than 30 degrees where the wind is actively loading snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New snow will fall on a variety of bed surfaces, the majority of which are melt-freeze crusts or wind-affected snow. Dependent on how quickly mountain temperatures drop with the onset of precipitation, new snow could bond fairly well or poorly to old surfaces. Observe for periods of heavy snowfall rates reaching 1 inch per hour. Areas, where a foot of new snow has drifted, will likely begin to display signs of natural instability. High-elevation winds will be ripping through the alpine today, blowing any falling snow into lower-elevation terrain and protected leeward pockets.           

    (2/21/2023)

    Overnight temperatures have remained above freezing with northwest winds averaging a speed of 20 mph with a max gust of 98 mph

    Photo: E.Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Winter will return fast and furious today! As we transition back to harsher and more dangerous conditions, it's important to slow down and keep your head on a swivel when traveling through or around avalanche terrain. Cold temperatures and negative wind chill values will increase the risk of could injuries. Come properly prepared for rough mountain conditions in the coming days. 

If during your outing you observe signs of avalanches or noteworthy findings, we'd love to hear from you. You can submit an observation on our website, and even a small amount of information can go a long way.   

Remember: when the snowpack is the problem, terrain is the solution. Always!     

Castle Lake road is still closed at the gate.

Regions covered