Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

High avalanche danger, a flood watch and wind advisory are all in effect today. A warm and very wet storm is hosting multiple hazards for the Mount Shasta area. New snow depths will be getting deep, but it is NOT the day to test the steep. Stay off of, and out from underneath, avalanche terrain. Avalanches could be large and fatal.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    Strong wind paired with 1 to 3 feet of heavy, wet snow could easily tip the stress versus strength scale of the new snow. Today is not the day to be testing avalanche prone slopes. Wind and storm slab avalanches are likely. Know what terrain is above you. Use a hill shade map or inclinometer to discern slope angle. Stay off of slopes steeper than 30 degrees. Wind advisories are in effect until 7PM PST this evening. Southeast wind 20 to 30 mi/hr with gusts to 55 mi/hr are expected in the southern portions of the Shasta Valley and over higher terrain like Mount Shasta. 

  • Loose Wet

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

    Upwards of two inches of water is forecasted for daylight hours today. This is a lot of water in a short period of time. Snow levels will linger between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Expect heavy, wet snow near these elevations.  Near and below treeline, the snowpack could become saturated and a soupy mess, resulting in loose wet avalanches. The message is simple: steer clear of avalanche terrain today until things settle out.

Avalanche Discussion

Get the animals on the Ark! A wet, warm and wild one on tap this weekend. Unusual and extreme weather can produce unusual and extreme avalanches. Be careful, gang. Avalanches could fail within the new snow or deeper in the snowpack on weak layers of soft snow between crusts.Today is the 10th annual Shasta Ascension backcountry ski and split board race at the Mt Shasta Ski Park. Race starts at 10 and no, we are not cancelling! The fun doesn't stop...dry off, clean up and get over to the City Park for Mount Shasta's premier winter party, The Snow Ball. Doors open at 5:30pm. This is not to be missed. Kind of Queens will be raising the roof.

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