Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It is possible to trigger an avalanche in wind-drifted snow on sheltered or leeward slopes above treeline. The probability of finding this problem increases in extreme terrain with characteristics such as slope angles over 30° and areas with chutes or rollovers, known as concavities and convexities.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wednesday's new snow stayed cold and dry enough to be available for wind transport above 10,000 feet. Above treeline, wind has been blowing predominately out of the NW. As we shift to a southerly flow, we could see wind slabs forming around the entire compass rose, especially in extreme terrain that can accumulate wind blown snow in unexpected patterns. Wind slabs range from 1 to 3 feet deep and you may find them below ridges or mid-slope where cross loading has deposited snow to the sides of gullies or terrain features.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, wind slab avalanches released naturally and by human-triggers in above treeline elevations on Mount Shasta. Click here to view an observation of a close call in the Old Ski Bowl below Shastarama. 

On solar aspects there is potential for small, isolated loose wet avalanches today. Your best bet at finding dry snow is above treeline. Below and near treeline, snow surfaces will be variable from a subtle refreeze last night that will become saturated as rain and increased temperatures warm the snowpack. Snowmobilers will find Wednesday's snow somewhat supportable but are likely to trench beneath the crust into a weaker snowpack. Skiers will stay on top of the crust that lives beneath the new snow.

Regions covered