Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Rapid snowfall and extreme winds have resulted in very dangerous avalanche conditions. Large avalanches will be very likely to trigger near and above treeline, but avalanches could occur at all elevations in both wind loaded and wind sheltered terrain. Traveling in or below avalanche terrain near or above treeline is not recommended today. Large run out zones below treeline on Mount Shasta, like Avalanche Gulch and the Old Ski Bowl, should be avoided. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    Large natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches capable of burying a person are very likely. Open slopes below ridgelines and cross loaded gullies may hold locally deeper and stiffer slabs. These slabs could fail on density changes in the new snow or older bed surfaces. The timing of very large avalanches capable or running full path is difficult to estimate, but entirely possible during the next several days until large quantities of storm snow have had time to settle. Large run out zones on Mount Shasta, like Avalanche Gulch and the Old Ski Bowl, should be avoided during this time. Both areas are easily accessed from the Bunny Flat trailhead, where many holiday visitors will enjoy the snow. Know where you are going if traveling in the backcountry. 

Avalanche Discussion

The Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Warming. For anyone venturing into the backcountry, it is critical that you know where you are. Utilize navigation tools to ensure you are nowhere near the runout zones of any avalanche paths. You don't have to be on a steep slope to be caught in a large avalanche. Inclement weather, especially extreme winds and poor visibility will present additional hazards. The snowpack near and below treeline still harbors many shallowly buried obstacles. Wide margins of error are needed to negotiate the terrain safely today.

Regions covered