Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Wind slab potential still lingers in above treeline terrain, on west, north, and east aspects. Expect these slabs to be isolated and mostly unreactive to trigger. Maintain an avalanche mindset as you travel into steep terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Last night, winds remained calm to light out of the west, with occasional gusts into the moderate range. Yesterday, observations showed very light wind loading onto easterly aspects. This problem will be restricted to above treeline terrain, and specific to west, north, and east aspects. While these slabs are expected to be unreactive to trigger, there is still a chance you could find one in steep terrain. If triggered, these slabs could break up to 2 feet deep. This problem will likely stabilize quickly with today's calm weather. On your travels, look out for visibly, fat, and wind loaded slopes. Wind slabs can range from soft to hard, thin to thick, and are often smooth, rounded and sometimes sound hollow. Shooting cracks or collapsing in drifted snow are clear warning signs of instability.

    (12/2/2023)

    Cracking wind slab, Green Butte Ridge

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Multiple natural wet-loose avalanches occurred yesterday in near treeline terrain. This problem has likely run its course, and will show little to no activity. Nonetheless, it's worth keeping on your radar. These avalanches could be found on steep terrain, near treeline. If triggered, these avalanches could run a couple hundred feet and potentially knock you off your feet.

    (12/30/2023)

    Wet Loose Avalanche (12.30.23)

    Photo: Samuel Clairmont

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday was the first real powder day we've seen this season. The solid base and 9–12 inches of new snow created the ambiance of a true season opener. That being said, snow levels were still relatively high, lower lying areas still received mostly rain.  Mount Shasta continues to be the premier choice for winter recreation. Yesterday, Bunny Flat was bustling dawn-til-dusk with snowmobilers, skiers, and visitors. Today is expected to be a repeat performance, so consider an early start, and please drive cautiously both entering and exiting the parking lot.

Below treeline, the snowpack remains notably thin, primarily receiving rain during the recent storm. Although this zone doesn't pose significant avalanche hazard, natural obstacles like trees and rocks abound. Near treeline, the 9 inches of new, relatively dense, and well-structured snow accompanied several natural wet-loose avalanches yesterday. These avalanches occurred off of the east and west aspects of Green Butte, running into Old Ski Bowl and Avalanche Gulch. All were D1 in size. You can check out the avalanches HERE. 

Above treeline, where new snow totals reached around 12 inches, conditions were cold, dry, and relatively low density. In these higher elevations, wind-loaded slopes on east and west aspects presented a different avalanche challenge than lower on the mountain. Though no wind slab avalanches were observed yesterday, the possibility of triggering still exists.

If you want to read more on current mountain conditions, check out the observation from yesterday HERE.

Regions covered