Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Early season hazards are the primary concern, and can increase the consequences of a fall or small avalanche. Tread lightly. Wind slabs and drifts may linger in isolated terrain above treeline. Avoid this problem by sticking to wind scoured surfaces and watch for signs of instability: blowing snow, shooting cracks and collapsing.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Over the past two days, we received about a foot of new snow with westerly winds blowing snow. Snow remains available for transport by the expected moderate north northwest wind today.

    Yesterday near treeline I did not observe any wind slabs, only small to medium-sized fresh drifts that were potentially growing into a slab.

    Wind slabs form in specific terrain and may be difficult to locate. Pay attention to leeward slopes on the eastern half of the compass where wind blown snow is accumulating.

    Express heightened caution in extreme terrain where you are more likely to encounter slabs that could carry you over early season hazards.

    Active wind loading, shooting cracks and collapsing are indicators of instability to watch for throughout the day.

Avalanche Discussion

While wind slabs are the avalanche problem to watch for today, the number one hazard remains to be early season conditions.

Recent new snow has improved coverage, yet there are plentiful rocks and trees lurking just below the surface. Keep this in mind and note shallow areas that could bite you on the way down.

Regions covered