Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches remain unlikely. Stay alert for signs of unstable snow, especially in extreme terrain. Variable conditions and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential exist. If you plan to travel on steep slopes above treeline, bring an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet, and know how to use them.

Avalanche Discussion

It’s been a very dry four weeks in the forecast area. Since January 8th, the Old Ski Bowl has recorded just 3” of snow (.22” SWE). Recent signs of instability have been minimal (Ob 1, Ob 2, Ob 3). Generally stable conditions exist and Normal Caution is advised. Today, any wet surface instabilities due to the warm weather are expected to be very small in size and limited to isolated, steep, sun-exposed terrain features. As always, stay alert for signs of instability as you travel through the backcountry, especially in extreme terrain where even small avalanches can have big consequences. Be prepared to change your route or objective if you observe signs of unstable snow. 

Snow surfaces are a medley of crusts (sometimes breakable), heavily textured snow in high-traffic areas, wet snow on solar aspects, drier snow on shadier aspects, and ice on exposed ridgelines. Some moments of Shasta corn brilliance have been found, though elevated wind speeds today may limit surface softening at higher elevations. Snow depths measure 64 inches near treeline on Mount Shasta, 28 inches on Mount Eddy, and 23 inches at Castle Lake. The area snowpack is at 54% of the historic average for the Sacramento, Shasta, and Trinity watersheds. The McCloud watershed is at 72% of the historic average. See the complete February snow survey results in the Media below for more details. 

Climbing: Weather and climbing conditions are favorable, but don’t mistake that for an easy scamper to the top. Mount Shasta is a serious mountain with real teeth, especially in the winter. Key hazards at the moment include firm, icy surfaces that can create slide‑for‑life scenarios, rime icefall, and rockfall. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Have the courage to turn around if things don't feel right. See the Climbing Advisory page and yesterday's Forecast Discussion for more details . Feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip!

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