Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche above treeline where blowing snow is accumulating into drifts. Another day of March sunshine will cause natural loose snow avalanches below and near treeline, especially on southerly aspects. Identify areas of unstable snow and navigate extreme terrain with caution, especially near rock outcroppings and where slope angles exceed 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    From the Cascade to the Klamath Mountains, snow surfaces warmed yesterday, becoming moist up to 9,000 feet. Despite back-to-back days of calm weather, there is still dry snow blowing around above treeline, predominately above 12,000 feet. Below and near treeline, you are very unlikely to find wind slabs. Thanks to the March sun, previous low elevation wind slabs have sintered and merged with the existing snowpack. 

    Identify this problem by watching for signs of instability (shooting cracks, collapsing) on leeward aspects. Especially in or near steep couloirs, cliff bands, or slope convexities. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Another day of sunshine and mild temperatures will cause melt, creating free water in the new surface snow which increases the possibility for wet loose avalanches on solar aspects that typically receive sun lower elevations that will see temperatures rise above freezing. Observe early indicators of surface instability like roller balls or pinwheels and be cautious around steep areas above terrain traps where a loose avalanche could catch you off guard and carry you into hazardous objects like cliffs or trees. 

    (1/4/2024)

    Small wet loose avalanches on the east side of Green Butte

    Photo: Cory Beattie

Avalanche Discussion

Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of Nick Burks, an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center, who sadly lost his life after triggering an avalanche on Wednesday. We send our sincerest condolences and support to all those affected by Nick's passing.

It's as if the universe pressed play on the 'bluebird day' soundtrack, with today's weather singing in perfect harmony. With clear skies and sunshine, it's easy to get caught up in the allure of the alpine, but don't let your guard down. Remain vigilant for wind slabs in the high country and loose avalanches near extreme terrain. The surfaces that warmed yesterday will be this morning's crust. This may make for difficult backcountry travel and you should be prepared to self-arrest in the event of a slip and fall. 

Siskiyou County has repaired their blower! Those dedicated folks are now actively clearing the Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads, although they remain closed until further notice. Alternative opportunities include the freshly groomed trails at the Mount Shasta Nordic Center, FSR 41N56 (McBride Springs), Parks Creek, the South Fork, Mount Shasta Ski Park, and Pilgrim and Deer Mountain OSV parks. You can park near the railroad track on FSR 31 and ride a snow machine (Old McCloud) up to the Old Ski Bowl. Please help keep access open by respecting the over snow vehicle closure areas. Here's a map of the riding boundaries for the Southside of Mount Shasta.

Regions covered