Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A short-lived storm will arrive late today and into the night hours. West and southwest wind will increase and blow 50+ mi/hr above treeline. New snow totals of 5-8 inches are possible. The avalanche danger is LOW for most areas today, but will bump back up to moderate tonight. Very steep, wind loaded slopes remain the highest risk areas for an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Tonight and into tomorrow, fresh snow and increasing westerly winds may create new wind and storm slab problems. 

    The snowpack structure is denser on top and softer beneath - an upside down configuration. Warm temperatures have contributed to rapid settlement and consolidation of this new snow. There have been numerous reports of whoomphing over the past two days, but no resulting avalanches. It is becoming less likely for the weight of a skier or snowmobiler to trigger an avalanche. Continue to evaluate signs of danger if venturing onto very steep, unsupported slopes, extreme terrain.

    As you transition to higher elevations, wind effects will begin to dominate. Some uncertainty exists for above treeline terrain due to poor visibility and lack of observations. Wind over the past 3 days has been out of the southwest, west, northwest, averaging 20-25 mi/hr with gusts near 50 mi/hr. Pay attention to where wind has been transporting snow. Stomp on small cornices and roll-overs in safe terrain. If you see blocking or shooting cracks, avoid steep slopes nearby.

Avalanche Discussion

Over the past couple days, we've seen a smattering of red flags of avalanche danger including shooting cracks, whoomphing, wind above treeline, cornice growth and a couple small avalanches. That said, the very warm temperatures seem to have squashed most instability. I'd still be careful on super steep, extreme terrain, but otherwise most areas should be safe from life-threatening avalanches today. Expect changing conditions tonight and if new snow totals verify, the avalanche risk will bump back up.

Regions covered