Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today offers a bit of calm before the storm as cooler temperatures and cloudy skies should keep wet avalanches on standby. With that being said, you'll still want to travel carefully around ridgelines with cornices below and near treeline as they have not yet had a chance to refreeze and remain a threat from above and below. If you're headed out for an overnighter, be prepared for winter conditions with snowfall, increased wind speed, and decreased visibility. 

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

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

    Cornice fall remains an avalanche problem today because our largest and most accessible cornices live at Castle Lake where overnight lows didn't get quite as cold as they did near treeline on Mount Shasta. These burgeoning masses of deep ridgeline snow mainly live on western, northern, and eastern aspects, although you may find them on additional aspects in isolated areas. Continue to give these cornices a wide berth both above and below. When they fail, cornices often pull snow from further back on the ridgeline than one would think. In the coming days, the temperatures will drop below average and the likelihood of a cornice fall will decrease significantly.

    (4/10/2024) Photo: Cory Beattie

Avalanche Discussion

Wet loose avalanche activity peaked on Wednesday with no new avalanches or other signs of instability witnessed yesterday. With exception to the Klamath Mountains, most of our weather stations recorded a low air temperature in the mid-30s last night. Increased wind speeds and radiative cooling of the snow surface have likely allowed for a partial re-freeze of the snowpack. Temperatures today will be about 10° cooler than yesterday and mostly cloudy skies will prevent further significant warming. In summary, we have generally safe avalanche conditions, though keep an eye on those cornices as many are at lower elevations (Castle Lake) that have not had the chance to cool down just yet. As always, watch for signs of unstable snow on isolated terrain features, such as fresh roller balls in steep terrain and sinking deep into the snowpack when you step off of your snowmobile or skis.

There's a storm a comin'! Weather and avalanche conditions will change rapidly tomorrow as we are set to receive a strong dose of snow and wind. Be safe out there and keep an eye out for the red flags of avalanches.

April 14th will be our last daily forecast for the season. After that, we will publish bi-weekly climbing advisories that will include climbing route updates and 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.

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