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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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Mother Nature provided a proper season opening storm last night, with new snow totals near 16 inches this morning at treeline on Mount Shasta. The new snow fell on an existing shallow, hard and crusty snow surface. Strong west/southwest wind has been a theme and will continue to play a part in the weather over the next 24 hours. Wind loaded pockets of snow are likely near and above treeline. Look for clues like cornices and drifts to help you anticipate and steer around steep slopes where wind has blown snow into slabs. Early season obstacles will continue to make travel a bit dicey.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Watch out for steep slopes where wind has drifted snow into firmer and deeper slabs on top of existing, crusty snow surfaces. Cornices and drifts can help you anticipate which aspects might host this problem. Pay particular attention to ridgelines, under cliffs and along convexities. As you break into alpine terrain, you may find this avalanche problem more prevalent. If so, seek out wind sheltered and/or lower angle terrain to avoid the issue. No doubt, rocks will exist in the snowpack, either barely poking through or just covered up. Stick to gullies and check out pre-snow photos for where existing snow remained.

Avalanche Discussion

Our season opening storm began last night near dusk, and observations this morning are limited to weather station information only. We apologize for a few snow depth sensors (Castle/Eddy) that are not functional. We will get them back up ASAP. All other weather stations look good.We know for a fact that you will be out and about this winter.  With that said, share what you see! A picture, a few bullet points...it's all good. Do it on our website by clicking the big blue buttons on our homepage, under the observations section. Please note that your submission will not post immediately, but it's in the hopper. We will approve (quickly) and your observation will be published in no time. 

Ready, set, GO! This week is jam packed with winter happenings, check out our full calendar for the details. Don't forget above the Mount Shasta Ski Park, Winter Stokefest, this Friday!

NOTE: Yes, part of the forecast is missing...recent observations, the weather forecast and discussion, etc. This bug should be fixed by later this morning. -NM

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