Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche on all aspects and elevations with wet snow today. As the day warms, snow surfaces and cornices will weaken. Avoid traveling in steep terrain where you observe wet snow and stay far back from ridges with overhanging snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures continue their upward trend today and with that, an increase in the odds of wet loose avalanches on all elevations and aspects. The snowpack is seeing less and less of a refreeze as this bout of high pressure continues. Valley inversions helped bring below treeline elevations into the low 30s last night while near and above treeline elevations stayed in the 40s. The longer the snowpack goes without a refreeze, the deeper the wet loose instabilities will reach below the snow surface.

    As water works its way through the snowpack, it can exploit any weak layers and trigger an avalanche that starts small and then grows as it entrains more wet snow moving downslope. These avalanches can be small yet mighty, as they could carry you over hazardous terrain such as a section of cliffs or down into trees.

    If you observe roller balls or if you're sinking deep into wet snow when you step off your sled, skis, or board, this is a big indicator that wet loose instability is on the rise. Traveling in avalanche terrain earlier on in the day will reduce your exposure to wet loose avalanches.

  • Cornices

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

    Cornices are nearing their zenith for the season and are overhanging several ridgelines across the forecast area. Over the next couple of days, the warming trend will weaken these cornices and increase the odds of them failing. Most cornices around the forecast area are on easterly aspects, but because of differences in terrain and how the wind moves through the mountains, you could find them on any aspect.

    Cornice fall can be tricky to predict as they often fail without notice. This time of year, especially during warming periods, is when they are most likely to fail. The best way to prevent being crushed by one of these burgeoning beasts is to avoid or limit your travels beneath them, staying much further back from the edge of ridges, and keeping bare earth or trees between you and the edge.

    (12/23/2024)

    A cornice near Gray Butte

    Photo: Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Following consecutive days of warm weather and light wind, we have removed the wind slab avalanche problem as the warm temperatures have dampened soft snow and improved its bond to the surface. Though keep in mind that you should still practice general caution in avalanche terrain and keep an eye out for any red flags.

Though the weather in the valleys may have you relaxing in shorts and sandals, it’s important not to let your guard down in the mountains—avalanches can still happen. Warm temperatures can make for unstable snow conditions, so stay alert and be prepared to adjust your plans. Bring your sunscreen, be safe, and have fun out there. 

The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads are closed.

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