Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Triggering a wind slab on all aspects near and above treeline remains possible, especially in extreme terrain where textured isolated pockets of snow exist. Continue to exercise cautious travel rituals and awareness of your surroundings. Low danger does not mean no danger. Do not let your guard down and be paired and equipped for slick and firm sliding conditions above treeline.      

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    With a northwest wind direction set in place, drifts and cross-loaded slopes will be most common near treeline. On the west side of the advisory range in the Castle Lake area and Eddy mountains, wind drifts may be more sensitive to trigger in extreme terrain. It is unlikely that slabs would break very wide or run very far. Nevertheless, they could certainly knock a rider off their feet and carry them into unforgiving terrain. 

    (2/7/2023)

    Snow transport above treeline onto a southwest aspect. Mount Shasta 

    Photo: E. Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

If you find yourself wanting to climb high into the alpine, make sure you have the proper equipment (ice axe, crampons, helmet) and the proper skills (self-arrest, climbing technique, navigation, first aid) to do so.    

It's vital to remain observant while traveling in the backcountry for changing conditions and clues to where instabilities lie. The goal of avoiding traumatic incidents rests within your competency as a backcountry traveler. Becoming complacent within the terrain, or ignorant of others' opinions can quickly lead to an unproductive backcountry experience. 

Five main red flags of avalanche danger:

  • Recent avalanches
  • Cracking, collapsing,
  • whumphing sounds
  • Strong winds and wind loading slopes
  • Heavy snowfall within the last 24 hours
  • Rapid temperature change

Regions covered