Mount Shasta

Avalanche activity remains unlikely across the forecast area. Climbers and skiers, be advised: firm, icy surfaces near and above treeline have significantly increased the risk of long sliding falls. Additionally, ice fall is possible from any major rock formations in Avalanche Gulch and Old Ski Bowl. Crampons, ice axe, and a helmet are crucial equipment for safe travel on the upper mountain.

It has now been two weeks since the forecast area experienced its last round of precipitation. Since then, the snowpack has seen multiple days of strong northerly wind, extended warm weather, followed by a cool down. High pressure is expected to continue till at least Tuesday or Wednesday. 

In regard to snowpack stability, low danger has been the story for the last 12 forecast periods. The last recorded avalanche likely occurred on Saturday or Sunday of last week, releasing naturally in the Trinity Chutes area of Avalanche Gulch.

Notably, significant hazard exists for climbers and skiers traveling above 9,000 feet on Mount Shasta. Lack of precipitation, and cooling temperatures have resulted in slide-for-life conditions on most steep slopes, knolls, and moraines on the upper mountain. A slip and fall in these areas would be challenging to arrest, and could result in a 500+ foot sliding fall. Furthermore, ice fall has been a rising hazard as rock outcrops (such as Casaval Ridge, Red Banks, Shastarama, Trinity Chutes) continue to shed their coats.

If you're climbing or skiing on the upper mountain, remember to bring crampons, an ice axe, and a helmet. Steep slopes will be particularly dangerous in the early morning hours, when the sun has not had time to soften surface snow. For more information on climbing, read the recently updated climbing advisory.