Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The weekend's new snow will stabilize today helping lower the overall avalanche danger. Human triggered avalanches still remain likely in steep terrain above treeline where wind has continued to transport new snow. Safest locations today will be found on most aspects near and below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The recent new snow and strong winds are the recipe for wind slab avalanches. Signs of stiffened snow, cracking, and wind transport have been observed over the past 72 hours. While much of the wind slab concern will settle out today, caution should still be used when entering areas possibly affected by the wind. Wind-loaded slopes along ridgelines, exposed bowls, and steep convex rolls, as well as areas of shallow snowpack, should be evaluated before committing.

    Source: www.avalanche.org 

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The heavy snow yesterday resulted in at least one reported storm slab avalanche large enough to bury and kill a person. The amount of new snow the past 48 hours along with reports of avalanche activity will keep storm slabs in the forecast today. Most of the storm slab problem should stabilize as calmer, milder weather begins to prevail. For today, carefully evaluate areas of deep snow, particular in very steep or unsupported terrain near or below treeline.

    A moderate-sized storm slab avalanche on Coyote Butte 12/10/22. 

    Photo: M. Madden

Avalanche Discussion

The height of our current storm cycle was yesterday which saw many of the common avalanche red flags. As the day progressed, temperatures warmed slightly resulting in freezing rain and wet snow up to at least 4,800', as observed by forecasters at McBridge Springs. These warming temperatures likely helped stabilize the new snow and lower the overall avalanche danger. Much of the recent storm snow fell on a generally stable snowpack with "right side up" character, as reported in previous observations. One caveat is that forecasters have had limited observations during this storm cycle, giving some mild uncertainty to the extent of today's forecast. Heightened awareness and terrain evauluation should be used when venturing into the mountains.

The Everett Memorial Highway will be closed today at McBride Springs as crews remove the recent storm snow. No information is available yet as to when the road will reopen.

Last night's showing of "Buried" at the Mt. Shasta Community Center by the Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center was a resounding success. Folks had a great time hanging out, enjoying snacks and drinks, and watching a local Tahoe film about the 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche. If you missed out on all the fun don't fret! We have plenty more events ahead of us--the season is just getting started. Check out the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center Events Page for details on all upcoming events. We hope to see you soon!

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