Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches are unlikely but not impossible. Stay alert for small, isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in the alpine. Other hazards include variable conditions and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. If you plan to travel on steep slopes, bring an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet, and know how to use them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Triggering a small wind slab is unlikely, but not impossible today. Two to four inches of snow on Tuesday night, combined with southwest through northwest winds, formed small wind slabs in isolated, exposed areas. Today, elevated southwest winds may continue to transport light amounts of recent snow onto leeward features. While you're unlikely to encounter anything large enough to bury you, slabs with enough volume to knock you off balance are not out of the question. The problem is most likely to be found in extreme terrain above treeline, especially below leeward ridgelines, around rock outcrops, and in gully features.

    Remain vigilant for cracking, wind pillows, and blowing snow. Consider the consequences of even a small avalanche before committing to steep terrain. Travel in wind-scoured or more sheltered areas to manage this problem. 

Avalanche Discussion

High clouds yesterday and overnight limited the radiative cooling of snow surfaces. Any wet surface instabilities today are expected to be very small in size and limited to isolated, steep terrain features near and below treeline. Even so, seek mellower terrain if you observe signs of unstable, wet surface snow like rollerballs or pinwheels. 

On Tuesday night, the forecast area received its first precipitation since January 8th. The warm temperatures and lack of precipitation for most of January have left skiing and riding conditions in rough shape. While winter recreation remains possible in most areas, expect a medley of crusts (sometimes breakable), wind-affected snow, wet snow, dry snow, frozen ski and sled tracks, and ice. Ski and ride with caution. Snow depths measure over five feet near treeline on Mount Shasta and two to three feet on the west side of the forecast area at Castle Lake and in the Eddy Mountains.

Climbing: As always, climbers should keep a close eye on the weather. A winter ascent of Mount Shasta is a very different undertaking compared to the friendlier conditions of spring. Key hazards include firm, icy surfaces that can create slide‑for‑life scenarios, rime icefall and rockfall, negative wind chills, and sudden loss of visibility. Never climb into a whiteout. Carry reliable navigation tools and know how to use them. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Have the courage to turn around if things don't feel right. Give us a call if planning your trip feels uncertain. We're happy to talk it through!

Regions covered