Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

A weather shift has contributed to a reprieve in avalanche danger. A chance remains of triggering a wind slab in steep leeward terrain at the mid and upper elevations. Use caution near unsupported slopes with a convex character. Identifying areas of concern and assessing snow conditions before committing to a slope are best practices for today.   

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A curtailment of wind activity will keep slopes from experiencing additional loading and warming temperatures will aid in the settlement of the snowpack. A natural avalanche cycle that resulted from wind loading has clearly identified where this problem may still exist. Multiple avalanches were observed on south and east aspects above treeline. These locations all share similar characteristics of being near or below catchment features and having a steep, convex slope shape. Be cautious if traveling among such terrain, as isolated pockets may still exist. Cross-loaded terrain on south and west aspects should not be overlooked. 

    (1/14/2024)

    Casaval Ridge avalanches. East aspect at 9,400. SS-N-D2-R1

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Topics to have on your radar.

  • Slide-for-life conditions are present at the mid and upper elevations. Wind has scoured the knolls of moraines and windward aspects at mid-slope and near ridgelines. These surfaces will present a polished and glazed appearance with slick, bulletproof hardness. A fall, or the loss of a snowmobile, would be nearly impossible to arrest. If you intend to travel in the alpine, it would behoove you to pack an ice axe and crampons and know how to properly use them. Many previously buried objects, like rocks, have been re-exposed from wind scouring. Be cautious when traveling on slick surfaces with exposed objects beneath.
  • Wet-loose snow may become problematic as temperatures increase and slopes receive solar impact. Roller balls and easily penetrable moist surfaces are clues that this problem is on the rise.  

Regions covered