Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A potent low pressure system is currently passing through the Mount Shasta region, bringing with it heavy bouts of snow and wind. The snowpack continues to strain as more weight is thrown into the mix. Deep and widespread human-triggered avalanches are very likely. Do not travel in, below, or adjacent to avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Yesterday, winds were in the moderate range, then slowly strengthening in the afternoon. With winds now gusting well above extreme near and above treeline, expect to see wind transported snow and cross loaded slopes. Statistically, when winds hover in the moderate range is when they develop large and widespread slabs just below ridgelines. Combine that with the current strong to extreme winds that deposit lower and mid-slope, and you have a widespread wind slab problem. These wind slabs will likely be very large if triggered. Stay clear of any avalanche terrain, including wind loaded slopes. 

    Wind drift. A sign of wind transported snow in the area. 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    With the seemingly endless stream of moisture we are experiencing, storm snow continues to stack on top of itself. The newly added water weight stresses the stability of the snowpack. If triggered, a storm slab avalanche could break deep into our snowpack, resulting in a very large avalanche. It is best to let these storms run their course before stepping into avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

If you are looking to get into the backcountry today, stay clear of any avalanche terrain. Lucky for us in the Mount Shasta region, we have a ton of low-angle slopes and fresh snow to rip below treeline! Go grab an inclinometer, a map, and explore some low-angle snow you haven't skied before. As you're out, pay attention to the terrain around you and look for the 5 red flags of avalanche instability:

  1. Rapid loading of new snow
  2. Signs of recent avalanches
  3. Collapsing or cracking in the snowpack
  4. Rapid temperature change
  5. Recent strong winds 

A big thank you to everyone who came out for the Know Before You Go talk and companion rescue clinic. With the current storm systems, it is awesome to see so much of the community getting trained up and refreshed on some of our crucial backcountry skills.

ROAD STATUS: 

  • The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake road are closed.

Regions covered