Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Be curious, not judgmental. New snow accompanied by wind smells like potential. The local weather this week has brought a few piddly precipitation events, hosting isolated snow showers in the mountains. Variable wind patterns and new snow depths have been observed.  As you gain elevation into open, wind exposed terrain, let your hackles rise. Sporadic snowfall and strong wind will create isolated slabs of wind drifted snow near and above treeline. Look for existing wind-drifted snow and active wind blowing snow. Watch out for large cornices along ridgelines.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You'll likely find minimal danger at lower elevations, but conditions may change quickly near and above treeline. Look for signs of active wind transport, drifted snow and fresh cornice growth. You can also use surface textures to help decipher areas that may act as a cohesive slab. Watch for shooting cracks and use small test slopes to see how wind drifted snow may react before going into steep, wind exposed terrain. Most slopes will have a frozen crust beneath the new snow, but shaded north facing slopes could hold dry, weaker snow underneath. If you do find signs of instability, steer around, not through. Over the past 24 hours, wind has blown out of the northwest, averaging 21 mi/hr. Strong wind will continue to blow from the same direction today.

Avalanche Discussion

What a winter! Currently, we are 127% of normal for wet season precipitation (October through April) and 165% of normal for the year. Some of our weather stations are nearly buried. If and when you notice the snow depth sensors topping out, you know what happened: GONE! The spring ski and climbing season is slated to be fantastic. As soon as the Everitt Memorial Highway is open, and the weather clears, we expect the masses. Plan and prepare properly. Spring is the time of year when any type of weather is possible. Have the courage to turn around when things are not feeling right.

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