Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger is Moderate during the daylight hours, but will rise significantly after the sun sets this evening. Today, watch for instability in wind-drifted snow near and above treeline. Small wet avalanches are possible in steep terrain below treeline. Tonight, expect dangerous avalanche conditions to develop with one to two feet of snow and strong to extreme winds. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Small, wet snow instabilities are possible below treeline today as rain continues to fall on moist-to-wet snowpack. The expected size is small, but in steep or consequential terrain, even small wet loose slides can push skiers and riders into undesired terrain. Watch for roller balls and pinwheels as early signs of a wet loose problem. Consider moving to lower-angle terrain if the snowpack becomes saturated. 

     

    (1/1/2026)

    Rollerballs and pinwheels like these can alert you to a potential wet loose problem

    Photo: Christian Jordan

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Several inches of new snow near and above treeline combined with ongoing southerly winds have formed wind slabs on leeward terrain features. Any slabs from yesterday will grow in size with additional snow and wind transport during the daylight hours today. This evening, wind slabs will grow to dangerous sizes, with one to two feet of additional snow expected by Saturday morning. 

    Slabs will be deepest in windy terrain below ridgelines and in gully features. If wind-drifted snow is observed on steep slopes, consider more wind-sheltered routes or stick to lower-angle terrain. Look for pillow and dune-shaped snow and shooting cracks - such as the one pictured - to alert you to a wind-slab problem. 

    (12/27/2025)

    Cracking within wind-deposited snow 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

The first significant storm of 2026 arrives this evening. Expect a widespread storm slab problem to develop overnight with one to two feet of snow near treeline and strong to extreme southerly winds. If you are venturing into the backcountry tonight or early tomorrow morning, anticipate dangerous avalanche conditions. 

Snow depths across the forecast area:

  • Mount Shasta (near treeline at 7,600 feet):  40 to 50 inches
  • Castle Lake and the Eddy Mountains: 20 to 30 inches
  • East Side of Mount Shasta along the Northeast Crest: about 30 to 40 inches

Shallowly buried obstacles still exist in many portions of the forecast area. Creeks, streams, and rivers remain open and are running well. Water levels will rise over the weekend. Use caution if crossing.

Bunny Flat is a busy, multi-use trailhead. Please be respectful of ALL users. Motorized users, RVs, trucks with trailers/toy haulers: Please park below and downhill of the bathrooms and “Motorized Use”  loading ramp signs. Loading and unloading at the ramp is permitted, but all vehicles and trailers must be moved and parked afterward. Motorized use is restricted to designated areas. Posted signage with QR codes provides maps of approved motorized zones. The Wilderness boundary is clearly signed. Citations are active.

Events: 

Saturday, January 3rd at 7pm - Know Before You Go at Deadwood Supply Co in Mount Shasta

Sunday, January 4th at 9am - Companion Rescue Beacon Clinic at Bunny Flat

We hope to see you there!

Regions covered