Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Calm conditions will continue until this afternoon. Until then, avalanche danger will remain low to moderate. By late afternoon, a large storm system will begin to impact the Mount Shasta region. Expect avalanche hazard to rise considerably overnight as heavy snow and strong to extreme winds impact the surrounding area. As the storm intensifies, natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In the last 12 hours, the wind has been shifting from northerly flow to southerly flow as we enter this storm period. For the most part, winds have remained light, with moderate gusts. These winds will likely turn strong by the end of the day. Above treeline, winds are expected to reach well into the extreme category by the evening. For now, this problem remains relatively small and stubborn. This will change drastically as it begins to snow and blow later today. Approach steeper slopes with caution. Evaluate avalanche terrain for wind loading before traveling. 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    This is a precautionary problem. This problem should only be considered once it begins to snow. By 7 am tomorrow morning, 12 to 18 inches of new snow is expected. Storm slab instability will rise rapidly as the snow begins to fall. With peak storm intensity expected overnight, storm slab avalanches will be very likely. This problem will develop below, near, and above treeline. 

Avalanche Discussion

Winter continues for Mount Shasta! Another large storm will arrive this afternoon, lingering until Wednesday morning. By the looks of it, Mount Shasta is right in the crosshairs of this system, with two to four feet of snow expected at treeline. The cold temperatures will allow one to two feet of snow to fall on the I-5 and around town, so plan accordingly and prepare for travel impacts.

Regarding today's avalanche danger, hazard will remain relatively low until the evening. Tonight, hazard will rise rapidly. Visibility will become very poor as new snow and strong winds impact the mountain. If you plan to have a big day on the upper mountain today, keep an eye on the time and watch the weather trends. Once this system arrives, it's going to get quite heinous up high. Best bet is to be off the upper mountain before the weather changes. 

Road/Recreation Status:

  • Everitt Memorial Highway is CLOSED
  • Castle Lake road is CLOSED
  • Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park - OPEN
  • MS Ski Park/Nordic Center - OPEN

Regions covered