Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering an avalanche is unlikely today. Any avalanche activity will result in small slides in isolated pockets of terrain where shallow wind deposits might linger on leeward slopes, near and above treeline. As always, be aware of steep slopes and terrain traps that can increase the consequence of a small avalanche. In some locations, smooth, slick and icy snow surfaces exist. On steep terrain, these areas are no fall zones.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Weather models indicate, at best, a few inches of new snow coming in this afternoon and tonight, paired with southerly wind. It is unlikely that significant slabs will build, but we could see shallow wind deposits in isolated pockets of terrain. If we get more snow than expected over the next 24 hours and see consistent blowing snow, wind slabs could become more of a problem. Wind will switch to north-northeast tomorrow.

Avalanche Discussion

Near treeline throughout the forecast area, the snowpack is over 10 feet deep and bombproof. A dusting of snowfall is likely this evening and tonight. The mountains may pick up an inch or three of new snow. Wind will blow out of the south and southwest, shifting to north and northeast tomorrow. High pressure dominates the weekend. Prospective climbers this weekend should not underestimate a winter climb of Mount Shasta. Climbing the mountain in the winter is a completely different beast than spring time. Everything has more bite to it. Most notable are smooth, slick, icy surfaces that make self-arrest near impossible. Extreme wind, bitter cold and short days also add spice. Be prepared, know what you're getting into, remain flexible. Be willing to turn around. We never want to discourage a grand adventure, just make sure you plan and prepare properly. Remember the 5 P's: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance! And don't forget the 5 red flags of avalanche danger, too.

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