Forecast Predicts “Very Large Natural Avalanches” on Mount Shasta Today
The Shasta Avalanche Center has issued a strong warning for backcountry travelers: today is not the day to be on steep slopes.
With several feet of new snow, avalanche conditions are extremely dangerous, and large natural avalanches are likely across all aspects and elevations of Mount Shasta.
“Today is not the day to travel on steep slopes,” wrote the avalanche center in its forecast. “Very large natural avalanches are likely and your odds of triggering an avalanche are even higher.”
Backcountry users should avoid traveling on, near, or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees, as the risk of triggering an avalanche is exceptionally high. Even experienced skiers, snowboarders, and climbers are advised to stay in lower-angle terrain and use extreme caution.
On Sunday, Nick Meyers with the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center observed one natural avalanche and significant whumphing and shooting cracks in the Eddy Mountains, just west of Mount Shasta.
With continued snowfall and shifting weather patterns, conditions can change rapidly. Stay updated by checking the Shasta Avalanche Center’s latest reports before heading into the mountains. Your best bet today? Enjoy the snow from a safe distance and wait for conditions to stabilize before venturing into the backcountry.
