Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Dangerous avalanche conditions persist near and above treeline. Strong to extreme west to northwest winds and the abundance of available soft snow has allowed for extensive wind loading on leeward aspects. Natural avalanches are possible and human triggered avalanches are likely. Conservative decision-making, and limiting your exposure to east facing avalanche terrain, will be key today. Below treeline, human triggered avalanches remain possible.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The last 24 hours brought strong westerly winds near and above treeline, and steady moderate winds below treeline. This moderate to strong wind will continue through today. The westerly direction has begun to shift more northwesterly, allowing for loading or cross loading on all aspects. These avalanches will be reactive to skis, and if triggered, could bury and kill you. Careful route finding will be imperative near and above treeline today.

Avalanche Discussion

The wind is doing a tune-up around the forecast area. For the last 24 hours, west to northwest winds have been ripping near and above treeline. Gray Butte weather station (8,000 feet) recorded moderate winds with strong to extreme gusts since 11am yesterday. At higher elevations, expect this wind to be more sustained in the strong to extreme category. These types of conditions can move a lot of snow quickly. Wind can transport and deposit snow five times faster than snow falling from the sky. Do not underestimate the potential of wind slab avalanches today. If triggered, these slabs could be fairly wide and deep.On the bright side, this hazard can be easily mitigated. If going into the backcountry, choose to venture into terrain below 30 degrees, or areas not susceptible to wind loading. If going into avalanche terrain, take the time to assess your route and descent carefully.

  • 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