Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

Wind slab avalanches remain possible near and above treeline, with particular emphasis on terrain around 10,000 feet and higher. Look for these slabs on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects, below ridges, near rock outcroppings, and on the leeward side of open slopes. Keep a tab on snow surfaces and weather trends, watching for active wind loading, unusually deep and dense snow, and shooting cracks across slopes. Warming temperatures with potential of green housing may allow for wetting and destabilizing of surface snow during peak daytime temperatures. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slab avalanches remain possible near and above treeline on N-NE-E-SE aspects, with cross loaded slopes possible on NW and S aspects. Westerly wind will continue today at light (1-16 MPH) to moderate (17-25 MPH) speeds, shifting northerly this evening. Strong-extreme (25-38+ MPH) speeds blew above 10,000 feet last night, increasing the likelihood of fresh wind slab development. Specific areas to be cautious of are east facing Casaval Ridge, Trinity Chutes, upper Red Banks, Sun Bow, and Powder Bowl. Expect sensitive new cornices, wind drifts, and small slabs on easterly aspects. To avoid this issue, pay attention to snow surface, weather trends, and use small test slopes before entering consequential or steep terrain (greater than 30 degrees).

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, forecasters visited the Parks Creek area in search of new snow and warming issues. Three to four inches of fresh snow was found, with the upper couple inches already damp. Small, isolated, wet loose avalanches could be triggered on steep southerly slopes. Ski quality was slow, sticky, and poor, feeling very much like spring.

A large, persistent slab avalanche naturally released on a buried graupel layer earlier this week, on the northwest face of Gray Butte. Read the most recent observation of the slide HERE. This layer continues to be weak, and reactive, but buried deep enough making it difficult to trigger. Consider the steep slopes of Gray Butte to be a “low likelihood, high consequence” situation. Though difficult to initiate, triggering an avalanche would be large and destructive. Ideally, avoid the steep slopes of Gray Butte altogether for a day or so more, letting these grains heal.

The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads are closed. Unknown re-opening.

Regions covered