Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Today, the last of a series of smaller storms will impact the forecast area, bringing 4–8 inches of fresh snow. Heightened avalanche danger will persist as the new snow is quickly transported into growing wind slabs. Human triggered avalanches are likely near and above treeline. Travel with caution, assess leeward aspects (W-NW-N-NE-E) for signs of wind slab instability, as these slabs do have the potential to bury you. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Expect to find wind slab development on W-NW-N-NE-E aspects. The recent strong winds likely developed unusual loading patterns, depositing wind-drifted snow lower on slopes than expected, and concentrating around terrain features like convexities, and rock outcrops. Slabs could break a few feet deep, and be reactive to skis. This morning, with the recent new snow, these wind slabs could be quite touchy, running easily on the surface crust of the old snow. If triggered, these avalanches have the potential to bury and/or kill you. Avoid this problem by assessing leeward avalanche terrain with caution, or not traveling in the terrain altogether.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, forecasters assessed wind slab instability along Green Butte Ridge and Avalanche Gulch. Wind slab development was obvious on northerly aspects at all elevations, showing reactivity to ski cuts. Above treeline, surface conditions were variable including wind board, sastrugi, old surface crusts, and wind drifts. In Avalanche Gulch proper, the protected nature of the drainage provided far better ski conditions. Check the observation out HERE. 

After tonight's system, high pressure will build for the remainder of the week.

The Everitt Memorial Highway is OPEN. Castle Lake road is still closed.

Regions covered