Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Available soft snow and strong westerly winds have created heightened avalanche danger above treeline. Natural avalanches are possible, and human-triggered avalanches are likely in wind loaded terrain. Cautious route finding and limiting your exposure to easterly facing avalanche terrain will be crucial above treeline today. Near treeline, human triggered avalanches remain possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The last 24 hours brought strong westerly winds above treeline, and steady moderate winds near treeline. This moderate to strong wind will continue through today. This westerly wind is certainly transporting snow onto easterly aspects, with cross loading on north and south aspects. These avalanches will be reactive to skis, and if triggered, could bury and kill you. Strong winds can often load slopes lower on a slope than usual. Careful route finding will be imperative above treeline today. Below treeline, winds have remained relatively light, keeping this hazard low. Learn more about wind slab avalanches HERE. 

Avalanche Discussion

Today's avalanche hazard is defined by the amount of available soft snow and the strength of winds through the forecast area. The strong wind and large amount of soft snow up high gives potential for a large wind slab avalanche in specific leeward terrain. On the bright side, this hazard can be mitigated easily. Keeping it near or below treeline, or avoiding leeward avalanche terrain, will greatly mitigate your risk of triggering a wind slab. While in the backcountry, be sure to take advantage of visibility and high-points to assess overall wind texture, surface conditions, and general weather trends. 

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • MS Ski Park/Nordic Center - OPEN

Regions covered