Bulletin d’avalanche

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Danger d’avalanche

Sat
Alpin
3 · Marqué
Limite forestière
3 · Marqué
Sous la limite
2 · Modéré
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Périmé — ce bulletin a expiré 2 years ago. Vous consultez des conditions passées, pas le bulletin en cours.

Points saillants

After a week-long winter feast, the abundant new snow is beginning to settle—but vigilance is still required. Today's primary hazard will be wind, as strong northwesterly wind will transport snow near and above treeline. Expect sensitive wind slabs and fragile cornices to develop. Remember that wind blowing snow is a red flag of avalanche danger. Pay attention.

Deep snow conditions will persist, making travel challenging, and tree wells remain a serious hazard. Stay aware and choose routes carefully.

Problèmes avalancheux

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Likely
    Taille
    1–3

    Gathering reliable wind slab observations near and above treeline has been challenging due to deep snow and poor visibility. However, a significant amount of loose snow remains available for wind transport, and conditions have been both snowy and blustery. Over the past three days, winds have been blowing from the WSW but shifted to NW early this morning—a pattern that will continue today and could create a substantial wind slab hazard in exposed, wind-affected areas. Remember, just because snow isn’t actively falling doesn’t mean avalanches aren’t a threat. Wind is highly efficient at redistributing snow, especially into leeward catchment zones where slabs can build quickly. Watch for blowing snow and cracking in drifted areas—key warning signs of instability. To avoid this hazard, stick to sheltered or wind-scoured terrain.  

     

    Example of wind slab avalanche in above treeline terrain

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpin
    • Limite forestière
    • Sous la limite forestière
    Probabilité
    Possible
    Taille
    1–2

    Storm slabs, ranging from 5 to 10 inches thick, were reactive and easily triggered yesterday in the Eddy Mountains. This type of avalanche problem is often most dangerous during and immediately after storms. While storm slabs may still linger today, they typically stabilize quickly in our snowpack. The best way to evaluate presence is by using small, steep, low-consequence test slopes as your "canary in the coal mine." If these smaller slopes show signs of instability, it indicates that larger avalanches are possible.

    Photo: Nick Meyers

    Below and near treeline, storm slabs of variable thickness like this one were easily triggered in the Eddy Mountains on 2.6.25

Avalanche Discussion

What a week it’s been! Our 28-day dry spell ended on January 31st at 5 a.m., and since then, the Old Ski Bowl station at 7,800 feet on Mount Shasta has recorded 65 inches of snow and 7.72 inches of water. This winter has been feast or famine—right now, we’re feasting.  

Deep snow, massive tree wells, and closed roads make backcountry access tough. Snowmobiling is for experts only—you’ll realize this fast. Bring a shovel. Trail breaking is brutal for skiers. For easier access, Mt. Shasta Ski Park and nearby backcountry are great options, as are McBride Springs and the Nordic Center. Pilgrim Creek and Deer Mountain Sno-Parks remain open for motorized use—know your boundaries (click for map) if riding on Mount Shasta via FS31 road and power line access.  

The snowpack settles quickly in this region, with avalanche danger highest during and right after storms. Yesterday, storm slabs were reactive. Today, despite clear skies, strong NW winds will move snow and create wind slab hazards. Play it safe. With five days of good weather ahead, avalanche danger will ease, and plenty of powder will stick around for safe and enjoyable riding.

We don't know when the Everitt Memorial Highway will open. The blower(s) are down again. 

Don't forget!!! Our annual. FREE, Snowmobile Specific, Avalanche Awareness and Beacon Clinic is ON for Saturday, February 8th, 9am, at Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park. Registration is not required. Bring a friend, the family, the kids and come hang out in the Deer Mountain warming hut for some avalanche education. Plenty of time will remain for a ride at your leisure. 

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