Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago.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

Highlights

A generally stable snowpack exists across most of the advisory area. Low danger does not mean no danger. If you choose to travel among extreme terrain, don’t let your guard down for isolated pockets of wind slab and falling rime ice. Damp snow on steep, sun-exposed aspects could grow unstable as the day progresses. Shift to shadier aspects and seek less complex terrain to reduce your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Lingering instabilities are becoming less likely but not impossible. Overnight, moderate east wind speeds persisted and may have redistributed old snow into small, new drifts in the alpine. 

    Any previous slow-to-stabilize slabs of drifted snow will be found above treeline in isolated and complex terrain. Shaded or sheltered areas holding locally deeper drifts—such as below ridgelines, in gullies, and around rock outcroppings—are the most likely places for instability to persist. Even small avalanches can have serious consequences. Probe and assess for changes in snow depth and increased reactivity. Consider how these observations may apply to your terrain selection and travel strategies. Watch for where actively blowing snow is accumulating. Shooting cracks in hard snow over soft snow is a clear signal to move to mellower terrain.

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    An example of extreme terrain where wind slabs could exist. Trinity Chutes area pictured here, top of Avalanche Gulch. Photo from January 7th.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    This problem has been slow to develop. With reduced sun exposure today, surface instabilities may be limited. However, with mountain temperatures above freezing levels all night, snow surfaces may not require much solar input to weaken. The steeper and more sun-exposed the terrain, especially near rock outcroppings, the more likely you are to encounter wet snow. This hazard doesn't pose serious consequences unless near terrain traps or no-fall zones. However, it does inform you as to where larger swaths of wet snow could potentially be triggered. Steer around steep slopes showing signs of roller balls and point releases to avoid injury from wet, heavy snow. 

    (1/9/2026)

    Old and new roller balls on south aspects near treeline

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Climbers: remain vigilant for falling rime ice. Major alpine rock features—including the West Face, Casaval Ridge, Trinity Chutes, Red Banks, Green Butte Ridge, and Sargents Ridge—are coated in thick, hard ice that could shed at any time. Minimize your exposure beneath these features and wear a helmet. Even minor incidents can become life-threatening without adequate preparation. A full mountaineering kit is advised: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently.A $25 Summit Pass is available at the Mount Shasta Ranger Station or for purchase by cash or card at Bunny Flat.

Check out a recent observation from Ash Creek Butte on the east side of the advisory area for the latest and greatest conditions report. 

Bunny Flat remains the best access for winter recreation and climbing. The Everitt Memorial Highway is plowed and open. All motorized users, please park below the restroom facility at Bunny Flat. Respect riding boundaries. Maps are available HERE, or at the trailhead. 

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