Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche six inches deep at all elevations on slopes steeper than 30°. This slide would occur in the surface snow that is wet and unconsolidated, entraining more snow as it moves downhill. Beat the heat and get out there early. While you're out, watch for roller balls and natural avalanches as warning signs of rising instability. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1

    We have observed several wet loose avalanches over the past few days on a variety of aspect and elevations. All of them were shallow and easy to trigger with skis. Our weather station on Gray Butte at 8,000 feet has not dipped below freezing since early Monday morning. This means there is plenty of free water in the new surface snow, which brings the possibility for wet loose avalanches on nearly all aspects and elevations except for the highest and most northerly areas. You'll be most likely to trigger an avalanche on the warmest, sunlit slopes and in the latter half of the day when the ambient air temperature has permeated the snowpack widespread. Observe early indicators of surface instability like roller balls or recent avalanches and avoid steep areas above terrain traps.

  • Cornices

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

    Several ridgelines are decorated with large cornices, mainly on slopes facing west, north, and east, although you may find them on additional aspects in isolated areas. The Castle Lake area is at an increased risk for cornice fall, most notably above Heart Lake where a long and large cornice stretches across the ridgeline. Several microwave-sized and larger chunks have already released and tumbled down to low angle terrain. While a slope itself may not be steep enough to slide, it could be impacted by what's lurking above. Backcountry travelers should give these burgeoning beasts a wide berth and maintain awareness of what they're travelling under.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, forecasters and the public observed multiple wet loose avalanches from Castle Lake to Mount Shasta. Weather stations at both locations have not recorded an air temperature below freezing since early Monday morning. As a result, wet loose and cornice fall remain our avalanche problems.

Rime ice plasters the cliffs and ridges of the upper mountain and the sun is making it lose its grip. Watch for falling rime ice as it has the potential to trigger wet loose slides and can be just as lethal as rockfall. Wear a helmet and manage your exposure beneath these features.

April 14th will be our last daily forecast for the season. After that, we will publish bi-weekly climbing advisories that will include any pertinent avalanche information.

Come on down to the Spring Hill Nursery on Saturday for our Community and Member Appreciation Party where we will have FREE food, drinks, and live music.

Regions covered