Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Feb 16 – 17, 2023Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Low danger prevails across much of the forecast area. Concern lingers for steep, extreme terrain on Mount Shasta, where blowing and drifting snow has been significant over the past several days. Thick wind slabs have become increasingly stubborn to trigger, however still evaluate wind loaded slopes around leeward terrain features. Use clues such as blowing snow, wind sculpted snow surfaces and snow surface cracking to help identify areas of concern.Climbers, continue to be cautious of steep, icy snow surfaces if climbing this weekend on the upper mountain. No-fall zones exist. Self-arrest is near impossible on verglassed snow surfaces.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Signs of unstable wind slabs were observed two days ago. Yesterday, slabs were stubborn to trigger and will likely become increasingly so. That said, don't discount the isolated slab that could be a foot or more thick. Terrain steeper than 35 degrees and above treeline on Mount Shasta will be the best place to find said wind slabs. Recent strong wind has blown mostly out of the north and northwest. Some loose snow remains available for wind transport. 

Regions covered