Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Low avalanche danger prevails today, and normal caution is advised. Mindful watch-outs include lingering wind slabs in steep, extreme terrain, cornices along ridgelines and falling rime ice off the upper mountain. Snow surfaces are a variety pack of crust, corn, wind board and old powder. Tonight, expect a shift to a more active weather pattern of rain, snow, wind and colder temperatures.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing wind out of the southwest is expected, though out of the northwest this morning. Upper elevation zones may still have dryer snow available for wind transport. Be on the lookout for newly formed wind slabs. Clear and calm weather of late will transition to stormy conditions toward the latter half of the 24-hour forecast period. Where wind slabs live is predictable, such as below the leeward side of ridges, or in cross loaded gullies. They can be avoided by sticking to sheltered or wind scoured areas. Blowing snow or cracking in wind drifted features are clear warning signs of wind slabs.

    Visual depiction of wind loading and cross-loading dynamics

    Photo: Illustration from Allen & Mike’s Avalanche Book by Allen O’Bannon and Mike Clelland (Falcon Guides).

Avalanche Discussion

Let's get down to business: Everitt Memorial Highway status... Yesterday, county crews cleared two lanes to lower Sand Flat road, one lane through upper Sand Flat road, and then the blower broke down at noon. Both rotary blowers are out on mechanical now. There is no lack of trying as crews still attempted to clear snow to Bunny Flat with their huge grader, but there is simply no place to push the deep, heavy snow due to large existing berms. Crews have been working 12-hour days and will open the road as soon as possible. We will keep you posted. Castle Lake road clearing will commence once the Everitt is complete.Access to Bunny Flat and Mount Shasta remains prolonged. Alternative options for winter recreation include McBride Springs, the Nordic Center, Mount Shasta Ski Park and Pilgrim /Deer Mountain OSV parks. Snow machines have been using the FS 31 road and power lines to access the Old Ski Bowl. Riders, know your boundaries, it's your responsibility. Please drive slow through local neighborhoods. Thanks to all that came out for the movie night last night. It was a packed house! Much appreciation to the athletes, sponsors and friends supporting the MSAC. As for the snowpack, it's a mixed bag of snow surfaces and avalanche risk is low. Use normal caution. Next week is certain to provide a welcomed refresh and transition to more winter-like weather.

Regions covered