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Avalanche Advisory for 2018-11-23 11:15

  • Issued by Aaron Beverly - Mount Shasta Avalanche Center

The Mount Shasta Avalanche Center will begin posting regular avalanche advisories in December of 2018.

Wet weather has returned to the mountain and avalanche concerns will begin to increase as new snow accumulates. Read the full advisory for common avalanche concerns in the winter.

No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

No current avalanche forecast is available

Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slab

  • Character ?

It is important to give the snowpack time to adjust after a significant snowfall, as storm slab problems can last for a few hours to a few days. Storm slabs are the release of a soft cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within the storm snow or on the old snow surface. Often in the spring, new snow will fall on melt-freeze crusts (sun or rain crusts). These crusts provide a great bed surface for the new snow to slide on.

You can reduce your risk of getting caught in a storm slab avalanche by waiting a day or two after a storm before venturing into steep terrain. Storm slabs are most dangerous on slopes with terrain traps like gullies, cliff bands, dense timber, or terrain features that make it difficult for a rider to escape off the side. 

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab

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Winds slabs form during storms, for several days following a storm, and during high wind events. Pay attention to wind direction and how the wind transported snow is redistributed throughout the terrain. Use clues like blowing snow, cornice formation, and textured snow surfaces to identify areas where potentially unstable wind slabs exist. Look for typical signs of instability like recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and/or whumphing.

Weather and Current Conditions

Weather Summary

Please check our Weather tab at the top of the page for our remote weather station information, NWS Forecast Discussion, NWS Recreational Forecast, and point forecasts.

ALWAYS check the weather before you attempt to climb or recreate on Mount Shasta. Continue to monitor the weather as you climb. Becoming caught on the mountain in any type of weather can compromise life and limb. Please be prepared.

Disclaimer

This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy backcountry. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly.