Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is considerable at all elevations. A widespread weak layer exists near and below treeline. A human triggered avalanche is likely today. Evaluate snow carefully if venturing onto or near steep terrain. Snowfall is diminishing and temperatures are trending upwards.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm snow from yesterday and today will keep concern for slab avalanches heightened. Warmer temperatures and wetter snow will create an upside-down configuration in the new snow. New, cohesive snow will sit atop a widespread breakable crust and weak layer. If optimistic snow amounts verify, the weight of new snow may be enough to awaken this instability. A human definitely could. Evaluate the snowpack carefully particularly if venturing onto steep unsupported slopes below and near treeline.

    As you transition to higher elevations, wind will begin to dominate. Slabs will be thicker, harder, and limited to more leeward terrain. The rime crust will dissappear and the main concern will be how well snow is bonding to the old, wind-hardened snow surface from Sunday. Winds have been consistently out of the southwest and west. Leeward terrain will tend to be easterly facing, but winds fluctuate as they flow over complex terrain. Pay attention to where wind has been transporting snow. Stomp on small cornices and roll-overs in safe terrain. If you see blocking or shooting cracks, avoid steep slopes nearby.

Avalanche Discussion

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, gates at Castle Lake Road and Everitt Memorial Highway (McBride Springs) were open. Some snow removal work had been done, but expect difficult driving conditions if venturing up those roads. Give the plow drivers room to work, be respectful, and park out of the way. Parking on the west side of the Bunny Flat parking lot works best for them.

Regions covered