Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Significant snowfall and wind are expected today - two red flags of avalanche danger. Natural avalanches are possible and human-triggered avalanches are likely. Don't be under or on slopes greater than 30 degrees. Continue to be leery of hidden obstacles within the new snow. Everitt Memorial Highway is expected to open Thursday or Friday.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    The forecast zone has received 30-35 inches of snow since Saturday afternoon. Above treeline this snow has blown to the north and east. Wind slabs may exist on leeward slopes. Over the next 24 hours, up to 20 inches of new snow will combine with strong west and south winds to build slabs atop lower density snow.

    Wind slabs can be denser than the storm snow and shaped like lenses or pillows. Cornices are indicators of wind-loaded slopes. Shooting cracks and hollow, drum-like sounding snow are also indicators of wind-slabs. Avoid these slopes today, and any terrain that is underneath them. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely.

    Evaluate the snowpack carefully and be conservative when traveling in or near avalanche terrain.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    With 8-20 inches of snow expected today from below treeline to above treeline elevation bands, light winds and temperature variations can create a soft cohesive layer of new snow that can break within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Be wary of steep slopes in wind sheltered areas greater than 35 degrees. The chutes on Gray Butte are often where this problem manifests.

Avalanche Discussion

The five red flags of avalanche danger are:

  • Recent avalanche activity.
  • Cracking, blocking, or whumphing of the snow pack.
  • Signficant snowfall in 24 hours
  • Strong winds
  • Temperature rise

We'll see at least two of these in the next 24 hours. Today is not a good day to venture near steep slopes without careful snowpack evaluation.

Hidden obstacles will continue to lurk within new snow received this week. Be prepared for cold temperatures and low wind chills.

Everitt Memorial Highway (EMH) and Castle Lake Roads are closed and will remain so until after today's storm. The word is that EMH will open either Thursday or Friday. Castle Lake Road is lower priority so don't expect it to open anytime soon. We'll keep you updated.

Regions covered