Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Two inches of new snow and sustained winds have developed isolated wind slabs on leeward aspects near and above treeline. Though these slabs do exist, the greater hazard will be skiing among the abundant rock and tree stumps under this very shallow snowpack. If you choose to ski, travel with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    For the last 72 hours, winds have sustained moderate speeds, gusting to strong and extreme near and above treeline. The little amount of available snow has surely been transported onto leeward (easterly) aspects, developing small, stubborn wind slabs. Although these slabs are isolated, and generally inconsequential, there is potential to find something large enough to take you off your feet above treeline. These slabs could break up to 12 inches deep. 

Avalanche Discussion

It's starting to look a lot more like winter out there. The recent new snow has really improved mountain appearance above 7,000 feet. In fact, there is just enough snow to make you think it's safe to ski confidently. This is not the case. The snowpack is still incredibly thin. If you choose to ski, take it slow and easy. Look for areas with less rock and trees underneath to provide smoother, safer ski conditions. It's going to take a couple more storms to really improve the snow depth. An observation from yesterday provided a more in-depth assessment of the snowpack in the Avalanche Gulch/Green Butte area, check it out HERE. Unfortunately, today's warming trend will certainly put rain on snow, melting a bit of our snowpack and raising the overall snow line. Around this time of year, patience is key. The snow will come, and we will ski! 

Thank you to everyone who came to our Know Before You Go event last night. We love seeing our community come together and learn more about avalanches. It was the first of the season, so if you missed it, you will have many more opportunities. Shout out to Deadwood for hosting us again. We are having our first Companion Rescue Clinic TODAY at 9am, at Bunny Flat. It's a great opportunity to get hands on learning, and it's free! So please come

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