Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Expect changing conditions and rising avalanche danger tonight into tomorrow. A strong winter storm is knocking on the door. Recently formed slabs of wind drifted snow linger in isolated terrain near and above treeline. Alpine terrain also hosts patches of very icy surfaces that will provide a slide for life for the unsuspecting. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A strong northwest wind event did a number to near and above treeline terrain yesterday. Snow surfaces are well scoured. Any lingering wind slabs will be stubborn or unreactive to trigger. Your primary attention should be focused on areas partially protected from the wind. Steep couloirs, unsupported slopes above or around cliffs, or convex break overs might still host a small slab that could be triggered. Use standard clues like cornices and wind scoured surfaces to identify the loading patterns around you. Small, wind drifted features can give you a sense of slab reactivity. Expect a new round of slab formation tomorrow.

    Photo: Eric Falconer 1.11.23A small wind slab along a ridge in the Eddy Mountains, skier initiated crack

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche risk is generally low out there today but anticipate rising danger with the incoming storm. Over the past 24 hours, temperatures have ranged from 17 to 27 F at 8,000 feet on the mountain. Wind has blown primarily out of the northwest, averaging 28 mi/hr with impressive gusts to 80 mi/hr! We have a wind ravaged snowpack near and above treeline with stubborn, old wind slabs, ice glaze and sastrugi features dotting the landscape. Despite a ton of blowing snow, we have not observed any avalanches. Below treeline, soft snow is plentiful. Mount Shasta received ~12 inches of snow on January 10th. Total snowpack height ranges from 50 to 60 inches near treeline. Over on the west side in the Castle Lake and Eddy mountains, 2 to 4 feet of snow is on the ground. A few shredders have been enjoying winter recreation above 6,000 feet. 

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