Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Isolated pockets of unstable snow remain possible on Mount Shasta above 12,000 feet under rock outcroppings, in gullies, and in chutes. Intermittent cloud cover will continue today, limiting visibility and ease of travel. If you're climbing on the upper mountain, do not climb into a white-out, and be sure to know your route of descent.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    This problem is confined to the highest terrain on Mount Shasta, where slabs could still be lingering. It's unlikely that these slabs will be large enough to bury you, but getting caught in any avalanche could result in injury. Keep it on your radar. Areas to consider are pockets underneath rock outcroppings, in chutes and gullies. Examples would be the southeast aspect of Casaval Ridge above 12,000 feet, Trinity Chutes, and Mud Creek Chutes area. If you find yourself in these areas, be sure to assess these slopes for significant cracking, visible wind loading, and failing test slopes.

    (3/30/2024)

    Skier triggered wind slab. 30 feet wide and up to 8 inches deep. Westerly aspect, near treeline

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be the last day of scattered showers and cool temperatures before a dry and warming trend. Starting tomorrow, high pressure will build through Thursday.   Yesterday, forecasters traveled to Castle Lake and Avalanche Gulch/Green Butte Ridge area. In Castle Lake, cold and firm conditions prevailed, with a few inches of soft snow on top of a supportable melt-freeze crust. No softening occurred through the day. On the south side of Mount Shasta, similar conditions were found. In the deepest spots, 6 inches of soft snow sat on top of the crust, but most areas had closer to 3-4. Temperatures stayed quite cold and preserved any soft snow, thanks to the help of the cooling northwesterly wind. Late in the day, solar aspects began to develop a thin surface crust. See photos of both locations below. Read the full observation HERE.   We are in the 7-day countdown until daily avalanche forecasts come to an end. April 14th will be our last daily forecast for the season.  After the 14th, climbing season will commence. We will provide bi-weekly updates to our climbing advisory and continue to post recent observations, photos and climbing route conditions on our website. To celebrate an excellent season, please join us for our Community and Member Appreciation Party where we will have FREE food, drinks, and live music!  

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