Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

With five inches of new snow and moderate southwest wind in the mountains, a variety of avalanche problems will remain possible. Maintain a cautious approach while in the backcountry today. Human triggered avalanches are possible anywhere new snow has fallen, or where wind loading has occurred. Expect to find more reactive avalanche conditions above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With moderate southerly winds continuing across the forecast area, wind slab will be a problem on northwest, north and east aspects.  Cross loading is possible on west and southeast aspects. This problem will be more prevalent above treeline, where winds could be strong. Remember, wind can deposit snow five times as fast as snow falling from the sky. These wind slabs will likely be reactive to skis, and could break up to a foot deep. 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    With five inches of new snow in the mountains, storm slab will remain possible today. This problem can be found anywhere the snow has fallen. This problem will quickly heal with settling of the snowpack. These avalanches have the potential to take you off your feet, and carry you into unforgiving terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Yesterday's observations found easily triggered dry loose avalanches from ski cuts. These loose avalanches can slide easily on the firm crust that the new snow is resting on. This problem can be found anywhere the new snow has fallen. Though relatively small, these avalanches can entrain a fair bit of snow, take you off your feet, and push you down terrain. This will heal drastically with settling of the snowpack.

Avalanche Discussion

A variety of avalanche conditions exist today. If stepping into the backcountry, it is important to maintain situational awareness. Remember to occasionally stop and reassess snow and weather trends. Review the Five Red Flags of Snowpack Instability to improve decision-making.

Road/Recreation Status:

  • 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