Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

New snow and wind make avalanches a real concern today. Cautious route-finding should be used if traveling near and above treeline. Strong wind and blowing snow will make travel in exposed terrain difficult. If staying below treeline or in sheltered locations, carefully evaluate any terrain 35° or steeper. Safest locations will be S-SW-W aspects below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds last night from the S-SW-W will continue today. Wind slab avalanches are likely near and above treeline, or in very isolated, wind-exposed terrain below treeline. Watch for blowing snow, wind-stiffed surfaces, cracking underfoot, or signs of recent avalanches. Low visibility and high winds will make travel difficult in unsheltered locations. While the new snowfall might be short-lived, wind strong enough to form slabs won't be. A decreasing freezing level the next 48 hours will keep snow available for transport. We can expect wind greater than 12-mph--the minimum to form wind slabs-- through Thursday near and above treeline. 

     

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The area has received over 12-inches of snow in 12-hours as of early this morning. Combined with a gradually decreasing snow level, storm slabs are possible near and below treeline; strong wind above treeline will restrict the storm slab problem to these zones. Watch for deep soft snow, cracking underfoot, or recent avalanches as an indicator storm slabs may be present. Remember, 12-inches or more of new snow in 24-hour or less is a red flag for storm slab avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

Does the new snow having you thinking about avalanche safety? Come join us at Deadwood Supply Co. in Mt. Shasta City on January 7th, 2023 at 7:00pm for a FREE Avalanche Awareness Course! This will be followed by a FREE Companion Rescue Course at 9am the next morning at Bunny Flat Trailhead. These are the perfect opportunities to brush up on winter safety skills, interact with avalanche forecasters, and get your questions answered! More information can be found on the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center Events Page. 

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