Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Continued north wind is expected near and above treeline. Slabs of wind blown snow in exposed areas are likely, as plenty of dry snow is available for transport. Signs of unstable snow were observed yesterday, and today could be similar. Slabs will be most prevalent on open slopes near ridges and in gully features. Look for signs of unstable snow and travel accordingly.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday, red flags of avalanche danger included one recent natural avalanche and cracking/settling of wind slabs in near treeline terrain. While larger and more dangerous avalanches have not been observed, the potential is there. North wind will continue to blow today over higher terrain, with dry snow available for wind transport. Look for recent avalanches, blowing snow, new cornice formation, wind pillows, scoured snow...these are all clues to that wind slabs may have formed nearby. While wind aloft has blow predominantly out of the north, shifty and erratic wind was observed in the lee of the mountain in the Old Ski Bowl and Gray Butte area. Stay safe out there by paying attention to the little clues to give you an idea of what may be possible in the bigger picture. Identify areas of concern and move around terrain where wind slabs may exist.

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    Arrow pointing to a skier triggered crack in wind slab, near treeline on Mt Shasta, 2.9.24

Avalanche Discussion

It has felt a bit more wintry lately with chilly temps, blustery wind and ample new, soft snow. Skiing and riding has been good below and near treeline. The north wind has been doing its thing in exposed areas near and above treeline, and will continue today. Pick and choose your riding grounds carefully to find the best snow. Protected areas are best. Most recent signs of wind slab avalanches reported have been small, but larger avalanches could be possible in the most wind prone areas. The Everitt Memorial Highway is open. Castle Lake road is still closed. Snowmobilers: Know your riding boundaries. Patrols are active and citations being issued. Ignorance is not an excuse for the law. Maps are available here and at major trailheads. Bunny Flat has been busy. It's a multi-use trailhead. Give respect to all users. Motorized users park below the restroom facility, please.Winter recreation has not been as robust over on the west side of the interstate in the Eddy Mountains and Castle Lake area. This is due to less snow coverage. That said, folks still have been skiing and riding in select areas over yonder. For riders, Pilgrim Creek SnoPark is open. The 13 road is no longer being plowed. Riders can access the Cramer Springs road, which leads out to some great riding in the Ash Creek Butte and east side zones. The Ash Creek loop via Cramer Springs road from Jackrabbit Flat to one mile from Deer Mountain was groomed yesterday. Deer Mountain sno-park is open. The road is plowed past the sno-park for about a mile, then grooming begins. Sledders can access all the normal riding zones, and coverage is good. A narrow track is traversable next to the plowed road. Check the map here.Snow Depths: Old Ski Bowl - 128" / Ash Creek Butte - 99" / Castle Lake - 67" / Mount Eddy - 89"

The Mount Shasta City climate summary as of today:Month to date - Observed: 4.17" / Normal: 1.77" = 235% of normalSince Oct 1:  24.18" / 20.30" = 119% Since Jan 1:  15.02" / 8.06" =186%

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