Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche activity is unlikely today. Take normal caution while traveling through the backcountry. On the upper mountain, look out for falling ice and rock associated with sunny conditions.

Avalanche Discussion

For the first day of 2024, avalanche danger will remain low on all elevations. Below and near treeline, a stout but punchable 1.5 inch thick surface crust has developed. This crust extends to all but the most shaded aspects up to 9,500 feet. Above 9,500 feet, the surface crust begins to fade, becoming nearly nonexistent. Dry, supportable snow will reward those willing to walk to 10,000 feet and above. Forecasters assessed the extent of this crust in Old Ski Bowl yesterday, check it out HERE.

For today, normal caution is advised. Watch out for unstable snow in steep and isolated terrain. In lower lying areas, two hazards warrant consideration. First, traveling through the surface crust has proven to be quite difficult. Even the best of skiers have referred to it as scary, survival skiing. This kind of crust makes it easy for injury to occur. Second, the snowpack is still relatively thin below treeline. Rocks, stumps, and other natural hazards lurk just beneath the surface.

If you're a climber or skier planning to venture above Lake Helen, be mindful of rock and ice fall today. Consider wearing a helmet, the rock outcrops that are currently plastered with rime ice could start to shed with the direct sunlight. 

Yesterday was a busy day to be recreating on the south side of Mount Shasta. Bunny Flat was absolutely maxed out, with cars running down to Sand Flat. Hundreds of people welcomed the new year by enjoying the snow with friends and family. Navigating the parking lot became, potentially, the greatest hazard of the day. If you're planning to go up today, anticipate a similarly busy atmosphere. Let's review a few things for accessing Bunny Flat:

  • Motorized users, please park below the restrooms, large toy haulers are discouraged
  • Do not park in front of the snowmobile access ramp, there will be cones placed in front
  • Keep the middle of the parking lot clear to allow adequate turnaround
  • Please do not leave bulk trash

Regions covered