Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist across the forecast area. The snowpack is adapting to over two feet of fresh snow, while wind continues to form deeper drifts on sheltered slopes. Backcountry travellers should stay out of avalanche terrain and avoid being on, under or near slopes greater than 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Over two feet of new snow paired with moderate to strong southerly wind has and will continue to build drifts on leeward, SW-W-NW-N-NE-E, aspects. 

    Yesterday's intense winds allowed for wind slab formation below treeline. In the more protected areas of this elevation band, you may find the avalanche problem to be more widespread, carrying the characteristics of a storm slab.

    Staying off and out from under avalanche terrain will keep you from being caught by an avalanche today. Instead, travel in low angle terrain and look for signs of instability: shooting cracks, collapsing and whumpfing snow. 

    (3/13/2023)

    Storm slab breaking along convex rollover below treeline 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Well folks, you better get out that pen and paper because you'll be writing home to mom about this atmospheric river. Thanks to cooler temperatures and resulting lower snow levels, this week's pineapple express just delivered 1-3 feet of snow to the forecast area. Over the past 24 hours, our weather stations accumulated 12 inches at Sand Flat, 24 inches at the Old Ski Bowl, 20 inches at Ash Creek Butte, and 15 inches for Castle Lake and Mount Eddy. 

High avalanche danger is rightfully scary. Today is not the day to expose yourself or others to slopes over 30°. Instead, enjoy face shots in low angle powder and don't forget to tell your mom all about it when you get home safe tonight. 

Regions covered