Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

The avalanche danger will remain LOW during daylight hours today, increasing tonight after the storm onset. Chilly temps, wind and low density snow remain... a good recipe for continued wind slab development. All told, it's still unlikely that you will ski anything steep enough to slide due to thin snow coverage and the name of the game has been avoiding rocks. One will find the safest and most enjoyable sliding and riding by seeking out low angle gullies and meadow skipping, below and near treeline. With the next few storms, however, coverage will improve, and we may begin to see more legit avalanche action.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Yes indeed, wind is often a factor on Mount Shasta and this weekend will not evade. Small, hollow wind slabs have been found in near and above treeline terrain on small, test slopes, indicating that larger slabs could be possible in avalanche terrain. Steep avalanche starting zones near ridgelines are scoured to rock, but with cold temps, wind and new snow in the forecast, we think it's appropriate to continue to be cautious. Pay particular attention to mid-slope areas where snow may have drifted the best. Wind has blow primarily out of the S-SW-W-NW. Look for actively blowing snow, newly built cornices, wind-stiffened snow and fresh drifts behind objects to help you key into wind loaded features to avoid.

    (12/1/2022)

    The lower half of the east face of Green Butte is a frequent flyer for avalanches and wind loads with SW-W-NW wind.

    Photo: N Meyers

Avalanche Discussion

Avalanche Awareness, tonight at 7 PM, VIRTUAL! https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87902508582

Companion Rescue, tomorrow at 9 AM

It's early winter, and we are still getting out to new locations in the forecast area, collecting data about conditions and potentially weak snow. You can help us and the community out by submitting an observation. Don't be shy! Anything goes...a quick photo, short video, a few bullet points...we appreciate it all.  Click here to submit

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