Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

A gorgeous day is on tap, and low avalanche danger prevails across the forecast area. Still, be mindful of a few things: Small, wet loose avalanches at lower elevations on sunny slopes, lingering wind slabs in extreme terrain, cornices along ridges and falling rime ice off the upper mountain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today is going to feel balmy with warm sun providing above freezing temps, which means recent fresh snow may be susceptible to wet loose avalanches. Wet loose instabilities develop as sunshine and warming temps weaken the snow surface, causing it to lose cohesion. They start at a point and entrain more snow as they fan out and move downhill. The best way to manage wet loose avalanches is to travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Avoid crossing steep slopes in the heat of theday. Rollerballs and pinwheels are precursors to wet loose avalanches.

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    Recent roller balls off a southeasterly aspect below treeline

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–3

    Over the past 3 days, wind has blow primarily out of the east, averaging 7 mi/hr with gusts to 42 mi/hr. Light wind affected snow surfaces exist near and above treeline. Dryer snow remains available for wind transport above treeline. Existing wind slabs are thick, but have been unreactive. Fresh, new wind loading has been minimal. I would use the greatest caution if planning to ski or ride very steep, extreme terrain where a small wind slab may still be possible...likely not big enough to bury you but could send you into undesirable terrain. Further, be mindful of cornices along ridgelines. Use visual clues of terra firma to avoid the elevator drop.

    Visual depiction of wind loading and cross-loading dynamics

    Photo: Illustration from Allen & Mike’s Avalanche Book by Allen O’Bannon and Mike Clelland (Falcon Guides).

Avalanche Discussion

It's been several days since the wild winter whopper and President's Day avalanche earlier in the week. Temperatures have been warm, and the snow has settled nearly a foot. Red flags of avalanche danger have been scarce. Skiing and riding conditions are getting a tad funky, but soft snow lingers in sheltered areas. Crusts are developing on sunny aspects. Use normal caution out there and let us know what you see!The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads will be closed for the weekend. The rotary blower made it to Windy Point yesterday. County crews are working 12-hour days to get the road open, but unfortunately, one blower down means the reopening is taking longer than normal. Options for backcountry access include: McBride Springs, Pilgrim and Deer Mountain Sno-Parks for snow machine access, Mount Shasta Ski Park and Nordic Center. For those wanting to check out the big avalanche but don't want to make the trek from McBride...don't worry, the remnants will be there for a while!Snow depths across the land: Mt Shasta - 156" / Castle Lake - 105" / Eddy Mountains - 123" / Ash Creek Butte - 133"TONIGHT! Movie Night - Click for details

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