Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Mount Shasta and the surrounding mountains have received 1 to 2 feet of new snow over the past three days. Breezy weather will continue to blow new snow around over higher ground. Remember that even though it may not be snowing, avalanche danger is still possible. Steep, alpine terrain where slabs of wind deposited snow have piled up will be your primary watch out today. Triggering an avalanche is possible. Remain vigilant for signs of unstable snow. Snow showers will diminish and blue sky returning by Sunday. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As you ascend into alpine terrain, your avalanche risk assessment should become more exacting. Terrain where wind and new snow have combined represents the greatest hazard of the day. Look for wind blowing snow, pay attention to where it's going and assess those slopes carefully. Over the past three days, wind has blown primarily out of the west, averaging 13 mi/hr with gusts to 42 mi/hr. Fresh snow still remains available for wind transport. Two days ago, a skier triggered wind slab was reported in near treeline terrain of the Castle Lake area. More of this is possible, as blowing and drifting of new snow continues. Wind will blow out of the north, cross-loading west and east aspects and directly loading southerly aspects. Remember that moderate wind speeds are much better and loading slopes than high winds. Slabs could be small to large and will exist on the downwind side of ridge features, gullies, rocky outcrops and other features that enhance wind loading. Use clues such as recent avalanches, snow surface cracking, drifts and snow surface texture to identify potentially unstable slopes, and consider avoiding them.

    Example of a small wind slab in alpine terrain. If you see something like this, larger slabs could be possible.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    A precautionary mention here... It's almost April and that warm Spring sunshine is potent, taking immediate effect on freshly fallen snow. If and when the sun shows, be mindful of wet, loose avalanches in steep terrain. While not generally a threat to life, it can definitely be a threat to limb if swept off your feet and into a tree or other undesirable terrain. 

    Example of wet loose avalanches in steep terrain on Mount Shasta

Avalanche Discussion

A late March storm, beginning on the 27th, kicked off the latter part of the work week with a solid 10 inches of fresh snow on Mount Shasta. The following two days brought lingering snow showers and an additional 6–8 inches. In total, since Wednesday, near treeline on the big mountain has received 15 to 20 inches of snow on top of widespread crust. New snow amounts are similar over on the west side in the Eddy Mountains. We have not observed any large avalanches, though visibility and observations have been difficult in the alpine. Overall, the new snow has been behaving well and settling quick. All told, breezy conditions were observed yesterday, blowing plenty of snow around. Significant new snow and wind blowing snow are both red flags of avalanche danger, so don't let your guard down just because it's Spring. Our favorite local ski haunts can see short, temporal spikes in avalanche danger, and it's your job to be on the lookout for clues of unstable snow. Powder snow will distract you and pull your senses in different directions. Within you, there is a clear compass that points relentlessly toward the freedom you seek. Not the unfulfilling freedom of excess or of being without responsibility, but the true freedom that comes from knowing your mind and body so thoroughly, that wisdom reveals itself to you. Embrace the silence, don't fight what arises, accept the waves of change and let insight unlock truth, until you finally experience undeniable liberation. Keep it pro and be safe out there, gang.

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