Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Over the past 24 hours, the mountains have received one to two feet of heavy, moisture laden snow, paired with gale force wind blowing out of the south. Windy conditions will continue today. Overall, the avalanche danger is going to remain very dynamic. Feet of heavy snow rests on top of lighter snow, the upside down avalanche cake. Give this recipe time to settle. Stay off of and out from underneath avalanche terrain today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Yesterday, gale force southerly wind was howling near and above treeline. Wind transport of new snow was incredible. Wind drifts multiple feet thick were observed. These thick, moist, juicy slabs are resting on top of low density snow and could be sensitive to trigger today. Aspects W-NW-N-NE-E facing will be most heavily loaded. Wind slabs are possible in some areas below treeline due to the strong winds. Human and natural wind slab activity is possible today. Tread very lightlyLook for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface scouring as clues to where these wind slabs are forming.  Snow surface cracking and denser snow over less dense snow will also indicate the presence of wind slabs.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain and areas below cornices when signs of unstable snow exist.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    While this problem is likely stabilizing fast, storm slab instability occurred yesterday with high intensity snowfall. The atmospheric river event snow has been heavier than our recent cold temperature snow. These upside down conditions could cause this new layer of snow, 1 - 2 feet thick, to overload the previously lighter surface snow and create storm slab avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

The sun is becoming much more powerful this time of year. If and when it pops out today, expect its effects to be instant. Roller balls, pinwheels and small loose wet avalanches could be possible in steep terrain.

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN

Regions covered