Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today, human-triggered avalanches are possible above treeline. The recent 10–12 inches of new snow, and shifting wind has loaded leeward (NW-N-NE-E-SE-S) aspects with wind blown snow. If headed into the backcountry, approach steep slopes (>30 degrees) with caution, with particular emphasis on wind loaded aspects. If in doubt, avoid avalanche terrain above treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With 10–12 inches of dry new snow in the mountains, wind slab will continue to be a problem over the next 24 hours. A shifting wind from southwest to northwest will redistribute wind blown snow onto varying aspects. Near treeline and above treeline, look for this problem on NW-N-NE-E-SE-S aspects. If triggered, these slabs could be large (D2) enough to bury or kill you. Assess steep slopes (>30 degrees) diligently, looking for active wind loading, shooting cracks, or collapsing under foot. If in doubt, avoid leeward aspects near and above treeline. 

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, a natural avalanche was reported in Sun Bowl, on the south side of Mount Shasta. The top of the slide is around 8,700 feet with a southerly aspect, on a steep, avalanche prone slope. This report is a perfect representation of the terrain and avalanche problem to be concerned of today: steep slope, near/above treeline, on a wind loaded aspect. No one was involved in the reported avalanche.

Here at Mount Shasta, avalanches that occur across the forecast area regularly aren't witnessed or reported. This can make it challenging to always get feedback of the current danger. As a recreationalist, it's easy to let your guard down, and allow complacency to build in avalanche terrain. However, when an avalanche occurs naturally, in a well frequented area such as Sun Bowl, it is a good reminder that instability is still there and should be taken seriously. Today, with nearly a foot of new snow on the ground, and shifting wind direction, the wind slab problem is present.

The Castle Lake Road is still closed.

Regions covered