Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After a 2-week hiatus, snow and southerly wind has returned to the Mount Shasta area. Significant changes in weather pattern always call for a step back and re-evaluation of avalanche terrain, today is no exception. Wind drifted snow combined with new snow will heighten avalanche hazard near and above treeline. Best bet is not to travel in avalanche terrain, especially areas with wind loading. If you choose to go in the backcountry, bring a partner, check your gear, and look for the 5 Red Flags of Snowpack Instability. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Near treeline on Mount Shasta, southerly wind has been moderate gusting to strong-extreme for the past 13 hours. Statistically, moderate wind tends to be the ideal wind speed for producing widespread wind slabs. These slabs could be a foot or more deep, reactive to skis, and run far on the old snow crust. At higher elevations, where winds are consistently blowing strong with extreme gusts, expect to find wind slabs lower on slopes and in unusual locations. These avalanches could bury, and kill you.  Stay clear of leeward slopes that could see recent wind loading. 

  • Storm Slabs

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

    With 5 inches of new snow overnight (as of 5am this morning), storm slab are possible today. These slabs tend to be the most reactive during and right after a storm. You can expect this problem to be reactive with any weight added to a slope greater than 30 degrees. Storm slab must be considered anywhere you find the new snow has fallen. With the old snow crust prevalent on terrain near and below treeline, natural and human triggered storm slab avalanches are possible. 

Avalanche Discussion

Thank you to everyone who came out to the avalanche awareness talk last night! We love seeing so much of our community driven to learn more about avalanche safety in the backcountry. A big thank you to Deadwood Supply Co for hosting us again. 

  • Today (Sunday) - Companion Rescue @ Bunny Flat trailhead on the south side of Mount Shasta - 9am

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