Warm, calm conditions will give way to a cold front and subsequent low pressure today. Avalanche hazard will rise through the day into the night. Strong to extreme northwest winds will transport snow across southerly aspects near and above treeline. Human triggered avalanches are possible. These avalanches could carry you into unforgiving terrain, or bury you.
Small to moderately sized wind slabs are possible today. These slabs will likely be reactive to stubborn with skis. Keep in mind, this problem will become more prevalent, more reactive, and larger as northwest winds begin transporting snow today with the approaching storm. This problem is specific to near and above treeline terrain, on leeward, southerly aspects.
It's time to say goodbye to the warm California weather for a few days. The approaching cold front and subsequent low pressure will bring cold temperatures, strong to extreme northwest winds, and light precipitation to the Mount Shasta area. While our avalanche hazard is mostly defined by small to moderate wind slabs on southerly aspects, this hazard will rise and slightly change aspect with the forecasted winds in the next 12 to 24 hours. Thorough assessment of leeward southerly terrain will be crucial for safe route finding as weather begins to shift. If you choose to go near or above treeline, expect heinously cold and windy conditions. These conditions will likely bring poor visibility for the upper mountain. Know your limits, these are the types of storms that change quickly and catch climbers off-guard and unprepared. Be sure to periodically check your partner(s) for cold related injuries while out.
