Mount Shasta

Today, your odds of triggering an avalanche are low. Buried stumps, logs and rocks are the greatest threat to backcountry travelers. These hazards are most likely to be found where the snowpack is thinnest at the lower and mid elevations, though are still prevalent above treeline. 

The saturated snow below and near treeline has frozen and set up well, making for easy travel to upper elevations. As you move above the treeline, you will initially encounter breakable or "zipper" crusts that are less than a quarter of an inch thick. Travellers that continue to ascend beyond 9,000 feet will find condensed, soft snow in sheltered areas. In higher and exposed terrain, you will come across a patchwork of firmer wind board surfaces. Rime ice has plastered the cliff bands of the upper mountain and the morning sun may release some of these golf ball sized ice chunks.

The recent wet snowfall event has brought our sleds and boards that much higher above the ground, but don't let your guard down. Low coverage in all elevation bands requires vigilant route finding to protect you and your gear from an ugly run in with a rock or stump.

It is unlikely, but a rider may encounter a wind slab in isolated pockets of extreme terrain above treeline. Be on the lookout for whumpfs and shooting cracks in pillowy, lens shaped snow.