Avalanche forecast

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Northwest wind is increasing and drifting dry snow into dense slabs near and above the treeline. You are most likely to find this wind-drifted snow on leeward, NE-E-SE-S-SW aspects. To avoid triggering an avalanche, travel on wind scoured surfaces, watch for shooting cracks and/or collapsing, and assess the snowpack carefully before committing to slopes steeper than 30°.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    You are most likely to encounter wind slabs in near and above treeline elevations where there is a moderate amount of unsettled snow and the wind velocity to carry it. Wind speed began increasing yesterday afternoon and will continue blowing strong out of the northwest throughout today. Mountain topography may cause wind to load snow differently in unexpected locations, such as the middle of a slope or the side of gullies. Look out for blowing snow, wind-drifted areas, and obvious signs of instability like shooting cracks or whumpfing sounds.  

Avalanche Discussion

The Everitt Memorial Highway on Mount Shasta has reopened to Bunny Flat. Southerly aspects picked up some sunshine yesterday and created crispier surface conditions below treeline. Surfaces near and above the treeline remained colder and drier, with northwesterly slopes being most affected by the wind. Yesterday, the public and forecasters found natural loose avalanches that happened in the past 48 hours and evidence of slides that likely occurred during the peak of storm intensity on Sunday and Monday. 

The snowpack is inverted or "upside down" in several locations, elevations, and aspects across the forecast area. This will feel like it is supportable under your skis or sled with light throttle, but as soon as you get your boots on it, you'll sink to your knees or beyond. Without getting out your shovel, you can easily observe this snow structure by jumping off your machine or boards to check if you're sinking through firm snow above to softer snow below. 

Regions covered