Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Issued Feb 24, 2023valid to Feb 25, 2023Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

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Avalanche danger

Sat

Alpine

4 · High

Treeline

4 · High

Below

4 · High

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

It dumped. Like, really dumped. Three feet of snow has fallen over the past 24 hours, much of that overnight. Precipitation rates ranged from two to six inches per hour. The avalanche danger is HIGH across all elevations at aspects. The message is simple: Stay free and clear of avalanche terrain today. The unusually cold winter storm will taper this afternoon, but gusty southeast wind will continue to move snow around.

Avalanche problems

Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Certain
Size
1–3
The predominant wind direction during the storm cycle has been out of the southwest, south and southeast. This means that all northerly facing aspects are going to be wind loaded near and above treeline. Wind speeds have been moderate, averaging 12 mi/hr with gusts to 49 mi/hr. Yesterday, we saw active blowing snow and drifting, even below treeline in open areas. Wind slabs are certain and could be 3–6 feet deep. Today is not the day to test those waters.
Storm Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Certain
Size
1–3
Feet of new snow rests on top of firm, icy, old snow surfaces and has not bonded well. A weak layer of graupel is also beneath the new snow in some areas. Cold temperatures will slow down the bonding and settlement process of this storm. Areas that have received the upper end of new snow totals will be most concerning for storm slab avalanches. Natural and human triggered avalanches could occur today. Look for snow surface cracking or any indication that weakness exists in the new storm snow.
Loose Dry
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
Alpine
Treeline
Below treeline
Likelihood
Certain
Size
1–2
Dry-loose avalanches in steep avalanche terrain involve the release of dry, unconsolidated snow. These avalanches occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. Dry-loose avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Dry loose avalanches may trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers.