Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Check that weather forecast, no sleuthing to be had here. Southwest flow will bring the business later today, tonight and tomorrow. Several feet of new snow and strong southwest wind is certain. The next 48 hours is not the time to be traveling on or around steep avalanche terrain. Clues of unstable snow will be in your face. Don't ignore them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    In the wind zone, at and above treeline, CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will be found on steep, leeward slopes, especially those facing the north half of the compass. Human triggered, wind slab avalanches breaking within the new snow are likely. Plenty of low density snow remains available for transport...and more is on the way. Wind slabs will continue to build on W-NW-N-NE-E facing aspects.  It will be best to avoid these areas completely over the next couple of days.

    www.avalanche.org 

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Heavy snow will keep storm slabs in the forefront. Surface hoar, a good weak layer, formed on December 7th in protected below and near treeline terrain and became buried by yesterday's storm. Expect rapid accumulation of new snow, 2"+ per hour at times, as the storm settles in. Remember, the snowpack does not like rapid change. We don't have a ton of below treeline, steep avalanche terrain, but if you do find some, avoid it until the new snow settles out.

Avalanche Discussion

We've got a healthy dose of fresh snow coming our way, folks. Is there such thing as an overdose? If you're buried in an avalanche, yes. Find some turns at the Mount Shasta Ski Park (opening tomorrow) or stick to low angle terrain for the next few days. The snowpack often settles out quickly in our forecast area. Pump the brakes, we've got a lot of winter ahead of us. Somebody loves you. Don't go gettin' into trouble, now.

Tomorrow, Saturday, Dec 10 is our annual Movie Night at the Mt. Shasta Community Center. We're showing the film "Buried" about the 1982 Alpine Meadows avalanche. Written, directed, and produced by Tahoe locals, the film chronicles one of the deadliest avalanches in US history, the miraculous rescue efforts, and the impact on the community of Lake Tahoe. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $15. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 5:30, film at 7. We'll see you there! 

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