Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A largely stable snowpack pervades the forecast area. Today, you may encounter small wet loose avalanches on steep solar aspects during the afternoon or a small wind slab near ridgeline in the highest terrain on Mount Shasta. You can manage the first by moving to shadier aspects when snow surfaces begin to lose cohesion and the second by evaluating wind drifted terrain in those areas carefully before committing to traveling on them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small and isolated pockets of wind drifted snow remain possible to trigger at upper elevation ridges above treeline on Mount Shasta. No blowing snow was observed yesterday, but a strong northerly wind event occurred the day prior. While any avalanche is likely small, the consequences are higher on the upper mountain with steep and sustained runouts. Evaluate wind drifted terrain carefully above about 11,000 feet before stepping out. 

    (12/28/2025)

    Wind transport on Sargeant's Ridge

    Photo: Hayden MacArthur

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The Grey Butte weather station is 50 F as of 4 am, 12 degrees higher from the same time the prior day. No wet loose avalanches were observed yesterday, but rollerballs and pinwheels were noted on solar slopes. With a potentially weak overnight refreeze, expect surfaces to moisten early in the day. If the problem is present, it is confined largely to steep southerly aspects near and below treeline. Nearby rocky outcrops will add an additional source of heat. Monitor for signs of instability such as rollerballs and pinwheels as the day progresses, which are precursors to wet loose. Given their small size today and slow-moving nature, the problem is more of a nuisance. Consider moving to shadier aspects.

    (12/29/25)

    Rollerballs and pinwheels on solar aspects in Powder and Sun Bowl vicinity - A precusor to wet loose avalanches

    Photo: Hayden MacArthur

Avalanche Discussion

In the western half of zone, the snowpack in the Eddy mountains is still thin and another couple storms are needed to fill out the terrain. Motorized use is limited mostly to roads. Skiing is possible in select areas, primarily northerly facing aspects where snow depths are greatest. On southerly slopes, dirt is showing in places. Snow on the ground begins near 4,500 feet, but one can drive a bit higher on Forest Service Road 17. Please visit our observation page to learn more about current conditions across the area and consider submitting one yourself. Public observations are incredibly valuable, and we would love to hear from you.

Bunny Flat has been extraordinarily busy over the holiday. Motorized users, please park trailers and toy haulers below the “Motorized Use” loading ramp signs at Bunny Flat. Loading and unloading at the ramp is permitted, but all vehicles and trailers must be moved and parked afterward. Motorized use is restricted to designated areas. Posted signage with QR codes provides maps of approved motorized zones. The Wilderness boundary is clearly signed.

Regions covered