Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Above treeline on Mount Shasta, a recipe of new snow mixed with strong westerly wind has baked up the potential for wind slabs and drifting snow along ridges and in bowls. Climbers and desperate skiers should use caution anywhere wind loading is observed, which should be primarily on easterly aspects. Conversely, windward terrain is smooth, slick and icy, which means classic donut glaze snow surfaces serving up slide-for-life potential. An ice axe, 12-point crampons and helmet mandatory. Upper mountain hazards are the real deal right now and should be approached with a humble attitude, proper skills and equipment. Near and below treeline, earthly objects dominate an unusable snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Small to large slabs and drifted snow will rest on firm, old snow surfaces. Above 9,000 feet is where you're most likely to encounter. Sensitivity of slabs is not certain, so move cautiously through wind loaded terrain. More snow is expected late tonight with continued westerly wind.  A top hat of fresh snow fell on Mount Shasta earlier this week, though rocky locks remain on the flanks. West and northwest wind has dominated. Yesterday, spindrift could be seen blowing off upper mountain ridges. A group of climbers attempted Casaval Ridge and noted heavy drifting on the easterly aspect of the ridgeline, along with icy surfaces on the windward side. The team bailed near 12,000 feet, quoting, "it was so windy...we could barely stand up".

Avalanche Discussion

Winterish weather began Tuesday afternoon this week and has brought warm temps, about an inch of precipitation and windy conditions to the mountains of Siskiyou County. New snow on Mount Shasta is reserved to above 9,000 feet, with an estimated 5–10 inches falling on December 16-17. Today will host increasing clouds and another round of weather moving into the area tonight. We do not have a usable snowpack near and below treeline on Mount Shasta, or any other zones of the forecast area (Eddy Mountains, Castle Lake, east of Mount Shasta). Don't lose hope, gang...we can go from zero to hero with just a couple good whoppers. Keep the faith!

Observation from Avalanche Gulch yesterday

This Friday, December 19th, the Avalanche Center will be hosting its annual movie night, which will be a double feature! See our events page for a description of films and venue details. Doors open at 5:30 pm at Mountain Medics and the films start at 7:00 pm. Bring your stoke!

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