Bollettino valanghe

Mount Shasta

Mount Shasta Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Fri
Alta quota
2 · Moderato
Limite del bosco
2 · Moderato
Sotto il limite
1 · Debole
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In sintesi

Small human-triggered avalanches are possible in areas where strong winds have drifted snow. Carefully assess for signs of unstable snow before committing to steep terrain. Keep an eye out for small wet snow instabilities on sunny slopes as the day progresses. Be prepared for variable travel conditions, including firm, icy surfaces. 

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    1–1.5

    The ingredients for wind slabs are present: strong winds and recent snow. While yesterday's snow totals weren't impressive - only one to two inches near treeline on Mount Shasta - strong northwest winds capable of forming deeper slabs accompanied the storm. Today, winds may shift to a more northerly direction at upper elevations, where additional snow from last weekend's storm is available for transport. Wind slabs are expected to remain small but could easily knock you off your feet and be dangerous in extreme terrain.

    Travel advice:

    • You are most likely to encounter the problem on steep (>35 degrees) leeward slopes near and above treeline - especially below ridgelines or moraine tops, around rock outcrops, and in gullies.
    • Watch for blowing snow, cornices, and pillow-shaped textures to alert you to recently wind-drifted areas, and consider avoiding these slopes.
    • Give cornices and wind lips on ridgelines a wide berth.
    • Shooting cracks are a clear sign of unstable snow. If you see them, opt for conservative or wind-scoured terrain.

    (2/20/2026)

    A shooting crack on a wind-drifted convexity. 

    Photo: Christian Jordan

  • Loose Wet

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Unlikely
    Dimensione
    1

    If wind speeds remain elevated today as forecast, snow surfaces should remain cool and wet snow instabilities are unlikely. However, keep an eye out for unstable wet snow on steep (>35 degrees), solar aspects near and above treeline, especially under rocky terrain features as the day progresses and temperatures warm. If this problem develops, it will be most likely on wind-drifted slopes where soft recent snow is warmed by the March sun. If you observe signs that the snow surface is losing strength, such as fresh rollerballs, move to mellower slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

The recent wet slab problem has been removed as wet slab avalanches are increasingly unlikely. Still, some uncertainty remains given the difficulty in predicting these events and the interaction of pooling meltwater and buried weak layers. 

This season has been defined by warm temperatures and high snow levels that have left most terrain below 6,000 feet with a shallow, or non-existent, snowpack. Many creeks are running freely on the west side of the forecast area at Castle Lake and in the Eddy Mountains, which present a navigation hazard. Check out the recent observations for conditions updates from around the area. Mount Shasta City remains above normal for water year precipitation (since October 1st).

Climbing Advisory: Despite the sunny weather in the forecast, it’s still winter. A winter ascent of Mount Shasta is a very different undertaking compared to the friendlier conditions of spring. Expect variable snow surfaces and be prepared for icy, slide-for-life conditions. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Falling rime ice will be a hazard this weekend with warming temperatures. See the full Climbing Advisory page for more details about climbing Mount Shasta. 

The final Know Before You Go and Rescue Clinics of the season are this weekend. We hope to see you there!

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