Avalanche Advisory for 2017-11-04 07:53:37

Fall Statement 2017

If there is enough snow to ride, there is enough snow to slide.

As the season begins, high elevation alpine areas will be the first to develop a winter snowpack. These above treeline slopes will likely be the best places to ski and ride, and also the most likely places for avalanches to occur. Many high alpine slopes on all aspects of Mount Shasta are still holding snow from last winter. Steep slopes holding old snow are likely areas for early season avalanches, as are steep slopes that have smooth ground surfaces.

Wind slab and storm slab avalanches are the most common concerns in the early season. These types of slab avalanches typically occur during and immediately following storm events. Alpine bowls, gullies, and slopes just below ridgelines are terrain features to assess for the presence of these avalanche concerns. Keep in mind that on smooth terrain (old snow surfaces, rock slabs, grassy slopes) these types of slab avalanches can occur with as little as 1ft of snow on the ground. Dry loose avalanches are also common in the early season and occur most frequently in steep unsupported terrain. For more information on these avalanche problems, CLICK HERE.

Thin snow cover poses a significant hazard in the backcountry during the early season. Beware of stumps, rocks, brush and other objects that are exposed or shallowly buried below the snow surface. Also remember that these early season conditions can make for an especially nasty ride if you get caught in an avalanche.

Take the time this fall to shake off the cobwebs when it comes to your avalanche rescue skills. Replace the batteries in your avalanche transceivers and check your shovels and probes for wear and tear. Practice, Practice, Practice! Get together with your backcountry partners and check your avalanche beacons. Perform standard function checks, range checks, and set up companion rescue scenarios. Sign up for an avalanche course this winter and/or join the MSAC for our free Avalanche Awareness and Companion Rescue Clinics. 

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. The Old Ski Bowl weather station is currently down. We are working hard to get it up and running agian. Check the Sand Flat and Grey Butte weather stations to get an idea of weather conditions on the south side of Mount Shasta.

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.

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. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.