Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is less than expected, given all the new snow. There is still plenty of snow available for transport out there though, particularly at or above treeline. Your main immediate hazards are going to be wet loose slides as things heat up in the afternoon. This is the time of year to make sure you're not allowing yourself to be lulled into complacency.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The sun passing higher in the sky combined with feet of fresh, new snow on the ground is the perfect combination for wet loose slides. Make sure you're paying close attention to signs of things heating up when you're out and about, particularly in the afternoon. Roller balls won't kill you...but they are an early warning sign that the rest of the slope is feeling frisky, and you might want to head back to the car or move to a different aspect.

    Wet-loose activity on a surface that recieved sun and became moist and unstable. 

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Most of the wind the past few days has been out of the south, or thereabouts. Pay close attention to any wind-loaded slopes, particularly near or above treeline. Micro-terrain features such as convex rollovers may present hazards, particularly combined with any terrain traps. If you're unsure, perform stability tests on any safe, isolated test slopes. Watch out for any wind-affected surfaces or changing of snow conditions as you travel.

    24 hours of a south and southeast wind direction at light speeds with moderate to strong gusts. 

Avalanche Discussion

Given how much snow we've had in recent days, our snowpack is safer than one might assume. But you know what happens when you assume, particularly when it comes to the snowpack and avalanche safety. Lots of snow and relatively safe conditions is the perfect time to dial in your avalanche safety and awareness, rather than becoming complacent. Take this opportunity to look for subtle signs and increase your backcountry savvy.

We've got a break from the storms for a day or so but, not to worry, we should have some more on the way soon!

  • 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