Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago.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

Highlights

Chilly temperatures, 1–2 inches of fresh snow, and a northwesterly wind have moved into the area. Remain vigilant for wind-loaded areas in extreme terrain, near and above treeline. The upper mountain is plastered in rime ice—expect icefall as the sun loosens it, and wear a helmet. Dangerous wind chills are likely today, so dress to impress.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday brought strong northwest winds. A few inches of new snow overnight, combined with moderate NW winds today, may lead to additional wind loading. While blowing snow has been widespread, little has accumulated in steep avalanche start zones. Nonetheless, caution is warranted above treeline, where wind-drifted snow may be present. Pay attention to blowing snow and where it's headed. Isolated wind slabs could exist in extreme terrain—near cliffs, in couloirs, or in mid-slope depressions and gullies—resting on a widespread breakable crust. Move cautiously around wind loaded slopes. If you see signs of unstable snow like recent avalanches, cracking, or blocking, consider moving to lower angle slopes or around the drifted area.

     

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    Photo from yesterday (1/7) and an example of extreme terrain where wind slabs could exist. Trinity Chutes area pictured here, top of Avalanche Gulch.

Avalanche Discussion

This morning, 5am at treeline on Mount Shasta, the temperature is 13 degrees F with 81 inches of snow on the ground. Two of those are fresh from overnight, a little duster, last minute sputter. Northwesterly wind has averaged 16 mph at 8,000 feet, with gusts to 67 mph. In the Eddy Mountains, the current temperature is 18 degrees F with 36 inches of snow, and at Castle Lake, 22 and 26, respectively.It's been several days since our last big storm cycle, and the snowpack has been capped off by a widespread, breakable crust of varied thickness. That said, one can still find soft snow and decent skiing and riding out there...best chances are near treeline in low-lying depressions, gullies and protected areas. Red flags of avalanche danger have been hard to come by. No wind slab avalanches have been observed. A few sunny, below treeline slopes have kicked off naturally caused roller balls and pinwheels, but none resulted in wet loose avalanches of consequence. Check out yesterday's observations from Castle Lake and Mount Shasta for more conditions details. 

Clear weather and an approaching weekend often prompt interest in climbing Mount Shasta, but winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Falling rime ice in Avalanche Gulch will be a concern—helmets are strongly recommended. Wind chill values will be severe, increasing the risk of environmental injuries such as hypothermia. Even minor incidents can become life-threatening without adequate preparation. While rescue may be possible, it should not be relied upon as immediate or guaranteed.

Most trailheads around the mountain are closed and not accessible by vehicle. Bunny Flat remains the best access for winter recreation and climbing. The Everitt Memorial Highway is plowed and open. All motorized users, please park below the restroom facility at Bunny Flat. Respect riding boundaries. Maps are available HERE, or at the trailhead. 

Regions covered