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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Touchy cornices and wind slabs near and above treeline is the name of the game today. Human triggered avalanches are possible.  Expect unseasonably cold temperatures and northwest wind. Snow showers will linger, but overall taper throughout the day. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We didn't need our magnifying glass yesterday: a solid west wind could be witnessed, easily transporting snow onto easterly slopes in the Eddy Mountains west of I-5. Test slopes revealed easy trigger of small wind slabs and cornices. This means that larger ones could be possible. Today will be similar. Continued northwest flow, snow showers and low density snow on the ground will allow for more of the same. If you venture up into windy locales, watch for the classic clues: wind blowing snow, avalanche activity, crumbling cornices, wind pillows, snow surface scouring, cracking/blocking and/or slabby snow behavior. Should any of these things raise their hand, you are likely near this avalanche problem. Remember, when the snow is in question, terrain is the answer. 

Avalanche Discussion

Currently, we are 127% of normal for wet season precipitation (October through April) and 165% of normal for the year. Some of our weather stations are nearly buried and probably fully buried after this next storm Monday and Tuesday. Not much we can do about that! The spring ski and climbing season is slated to be fantastic. As soon as the Everitt Memorial Highway is open, and the weather clears, we expect the masses. Recreate responsibly. Plan and prepare properly. Spring is the time of year when any type of weather is possible. Have the courage to turn around when things are not feeling right. Lastly, leave no trace. Protect the places you love, always. NOTE: Required items to climb Mount Shasta - Summit pass $25 (req'd anywhere above 10,000 feet), wilderness permit (free), human waste packout bag. All of these are available at the Mount Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations, or for self issue at any open trailhead. And yes, the rangers will check, so have your pass/permit handy please!

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • MS Ski Park/Nordic Center - OPEN

Regions covered