Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Stormy weather has returned and with it increased avalanche danger. Watch for fresh wind slabs developing on north, east, and south aspects and storm slabs near and below treeline. Blowing snow, heavy snowfall, and cracking and collapsing are the red flags to be aware of today.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A snowfall rate of 1 inch per hour, cold temperatures, and strong southwest winds will make easy work of drifting snow. Avalanche conditions will be most touchy in the second half of the day and night. The chief concerns are developing wind slabs on leeward aspects beneath ridgelines, rock outcroppings, and mid-slope depressions. Storm slabs will be problematic on any slope steeper than 30 degrees, hosting over eight inches of new snow. The greatest risk will be where these two problems overlap. Avoid terrain near and above treeline where heavy snowfall is accumulating on slopes beneath features that also encourage drifting. Identify convex slope features and terrain traps, as these are likely trigger points and areas of greatest consequence. By monitoring surface slab growth and using localized assessments, you will better understand the sensitivity of the new snow and thus better manage the risk. Anticipate cross-loading in the alpine and drifting snow in open forested areas below treeline.

    (1/10/2024)

    Wind transport and active snowfall rapidly accumulating on the leeward (left) side of the ridge

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Siskiyou county above 4,500 feet from now until 4 pm PST Thursday. 

With a warming to cooling storm trend, there is hope that the new snow will adequately bond to the many crusty and slick surfaces that exist in the mountains. This is the beginning of what looks to be a start to a stormy period. Keep it tight and do your homework to safely and confidently engage in the terrain. 

The Castle Lake road is open! 

Snowmobilers: Know your riding boundaries. Patrols are active and citations being issued. Ignorance is not an excuse for the law. Maps are available here and at major trailheads. Bunny Flat has been busy. It's a multi-use trailhead. Give respect to all users. Motorized users park below the restroom facility, please.

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