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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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches remain unlikely. Stay alert for small, isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in extreme terrain on Mount Shasta. Other backcountry hazards include falling rime ice, variable surfaces, and icy conditions with slide-for-life potential. A full mountaineering kit and strong self-arrest skills are essential for travel in the alpine. 

Avalanche Discussion

It’s been over two weeks since the last recorded precipitation and avalanche activity on Mount Shasta on January 8th. Temperatures at the Old Ski Bowl (7,600 feet) and Castle Lake (5,900 feet) weather stations had remained above freezing since January 9th - until 6am this morning when the Old Ski Bowl finally dropped below the elusive freezing mark. The warm temperatures and refreezes on long, clear nights due to radiative cooling have added strength to the snowpack. Generally stable conditions exist. Today, cooler temperatures should limit wet, surface instabilities like rollerballs and pinwheels. Strong north winds on the upper mountain may transport limited amounts of any remaining dry, unconsolidated snow. If traveling in the alpine, stay vigilant for isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in extreme terrain. 

In terms of snow surfaces: textured is the rule, smooth is the exception. Expect a smorgasbord of crusts (sometimes breakable), wind-affected snow, wet snow, dry snow, frozen ski and sled tracks, and ice. Ski and ride with caution. Cooler temperatures and elevated wind speeds today may limit surface softening for January corn harvesters. Mount Shasta holds the deepest snowpack with about six feet near treeline. Shallower depths exist in the Eddy Mountains and Castle Lake (about two feet), and on the east side of the forecast area. 

Climbing: Conditions have been good, but winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Shorter days, longer nights, firmer surfaces, more extreme weather, and avalanche hazard must all be taken into consideration. In the past few days, climbers have reported rime ice shedding from the Red Banks and Trinity Chutes  - minimize your exposure beneath rime-covered features. Rockfall is also possible. Be prepared for firm, slide-for-life conditions. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Have the courage to turn around if things don't feel right. If planning your trip feels uncertain, give us a call. We're happy to talk it through. Ensuring a safe and positive experience is our top priority!

Snowmobile Access: Deer Mountain and Four Corners out of Macdoel are the best bets at the moment. Pilgrim Creek Sno-Park is more or less out of service. Launching from Bunny Flat to the Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta is still possible. As always, know your riding boundaries. 

EVENTS THIS WEEKEND:

We hope to see you there!

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