Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Pockets of wind drifted snow may still prove reactive among steep and complex terrain. Warm weather will increase the chance of wet snow instabilities on southerly aspects near and below treeline. Observe and assess for cracking in wind drifted snow and wet snow surfaces losing cohesion. Stick to shady, wind protected areas where the riding is best to avoid these problems. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Overall, signs of instability have decreased as the snowpack continues to settle, though active winds persist above treeline. While many surfaces lack the distribution of a congruent slab through the terrain, smaller pockets of wind drifted snow remain possible to trigger. 

    Erratic north and northeast winds have been transporting snow over ridgelines, around rock outcroppings, and across open slopes. Although wind speeds are near the upper threshold for slab formation, incremental loading in isolated areas could catch an unsuspecting rider off guard. Clue into the snowpack and terrain: where is snow blowing, which surfaces appear wind-textured or lens-shaped, and does cracking occur on small test slopes. These observations can help you identify terrain features worth avoiding. 

    (12/28/2025)

    Active wind loading in upper Avalanche Gulch

    Photo: Hayden MacArthur

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As of 10 pm last night, mountain temperatures have remained above freezing levels. A continued warming trend today will gradually weaken snow surfaces. This problem is expected to remain limited and confined to steep southerly slopes near and below treeline, where solar input and air temperatures are strongest. Monitor for signs of instability such as rollerballs and point releases, which indicate the potential for human-triggered wet loose avalanches. Areas beneath rock outcroppings and along convex, sun-exposed ridgelines typically destabilize first. Wet snow often initiates at a single point and fans outward downslope. Move to shadier aspects and exit steep, sunlit terrain early to avoid this problem.

    (12/27/2025)

    Roller balls on a south aspects below treeline 

    Photo: Eric Falconer

Avalanche Discussion

Visit our observation page to learn more about current conditions and the recent avalanche cycle.

The Eddy Mountains are gradually developing a usable snowpack. Local reports indicate 1–2 feet of snow near treeline, with north-facing aspects holding the greatest coverage.

Motorized Users: Please park all trailers and toy haulers below the “Motorized Use” loading ramp signs at Bunny Flat. Loading and unloading at the ramp is permitted, but all vehicles and trailers must be moved and parked afterward. Motorized use is restricted to designated areas. Posted signage with QR codes provides maps of approved motorized zones. The wilderness boundary is clearly marked, and active patrols are underway. 

Regions covered