Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A solid 24 hours has passed since an early April storm brought a foot of wet snow to the mountains above 5,500 feet. The wet loose problem is likely diminished. Lingering wind slabs are possible. Exercise caution on slopes over 35 degrees, especially if you see signs of unstable snow. The snowpack may change from wet and sticky to dry and wintry as you gain elevation.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Light to moderate ridge top wind blowing out of the south and west has been observed over recent days. The wind slab problem will be confined to terrain above ~7,500 feet. Unstable, human triggered wind slabs are possible near and above treeline, with the majority of wind slab development on west, north and east aspects. Slopes steeper than 35 degrees are most suspect.

    Use clues such as blowing snow, cornices, wind drifts, recent avalanches and snow surface cracking to identify slopes of concern. Move cautiously around avalanche terrain where the potential for unstable wind slabs exist.

    4.7.23 - Cracking and blocking; small, touchy wind slabs observed on Gray Butte, slabs up to 2.5 feet thick

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    With the warm April sun, you may still trigger wet, loose slides. If and when you start to see roller balls, pinwheels or wet loose sloughs when you push on a small test slope, then the scales are tipping. Stay off nearby slopes steeper than 35 degrees. Periods of sunshine can make the snow surface quickly go from just wet and mushy to unstable and potentially dangerous.

    Wet loose slides were surprisingly reactive yesterday.

Avalanche Discussion

Snow surfaces might be a little funky out there today. Expect crust and everything in between. Spring is the time of year when anything is possible. If you don't like the weather, just wait 10 minutes.

Our last forecast of the season will be on Sunday, April 16th. At that time, we will flip the switch to climbing season. Recent climbing observations and our climbing advisory will be the new focus. Spring ski and climbing season is shaping up. With over 200 inches of snow on the ground at treeline on the mountain, it's going to be good!

EVENT: The Mt Shasta Avalanche Center's Community and Members Appreciation Party is happening on Saturday, April 15th, from 4-7 pm at Spring Hill Nursery and Gardens in Mount Shasta City. Come join all your local snow buddies, drink a cold one, and groove to some tunes. We'll be there...rain or shine! Admission, food, drink and music is FREE of charge. This is our chance to appreciate YOU! Thanks for the awesome season.

  • 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