Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You could trigger a small avalanche in wind drifted snow on all aspects above treeline. This event is unlikely but your odds of finding a wind slab are higher wherever blowing snow is accumulating, especially on steep east facing terrain. Remain attentive for signals of instability by looking for blowing snow, recent avalanches, shooting cracks or collapsing. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ongoing sub-freezing temperatures will keep the new snow dry and available for wind transport. The combination of one to three inches of new snow and light to moderate southwest wind over the past 48 hours has created small wind drifts up to one foot deep on leeward north and east aspects. Today, the wind will shift to the northwest, which may transport the snow that was deposited on northerly aspects over the last two days onto southerly aspects as well. The common denominator out of this change in wind direction is that easterly aspects have been and will continue to be loaded. Wind deposits form beneath ridgelines, rock outcroppings, and on convex rollovers. Watch for signs of instability and pillowy, lens-like snow surfaces that are indicators of wind loaded slopes.

    (4/4/2024)

    Small wind drift near treeline on Green Butte

    Photo: Cory Beattie

Avalanche Discussion

Dust on crust, powder on chowder, cold gravy on mashed potatoes... whatever you want to call it, the current skiing conditions will keep you on your toes. The fresh snow and sub-freezing temperatures have left us with one to three inches of powder resting on a widespread melt-freeze crust up to at least 9,300 feet. Pair that with low visibility and the backcountry travels can become quite technical. Shifting wind conditions from southwest to northwest flow has us keeping our eyes out for recently formed wind drifts on all aspects above the treeline today. Though snow accumulations have been light, the wind works in strange ways and, with the proper conditions, it can build deep drifts on the lee side of extreme terrain features or along the sides of gullies. A wind slab avalanche triggered today would be relatively small but with a hard and icy crust underneath, you could get carried into a terrain trap. Travel with care out there and check your surroundings before committing to wind loaded slopes.

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