Mount Shasta

Rock and wood product loitering just below the surface of a one to two foot snowpack is the primary hazard for backcountry sliders and riders. Low avalanche danger will prevail until we receive more snow.  Mount Shasta hosts the only winter recreation at this time. 

The main topic of discussion is what type of dance moves you're going to throw down to usher in more snow from Ma Nature. It's shark week, folks. Not the small, docile kind, but rather... Great Whites. Tread lightly out there. Over on the west side, Castle Lake and Eddy mountains, not enough snow exists for winter recreation. The same goes for the east side, Ash Creek Butte, Pilgrim Creek, Deer Mountain areas. On Mount Shasta, snow is anchored well in place. Check out yesterday's observation from above treeline. A few very small wind slabs were observed, enough to knock you off balance if triggered, but not big enough to bury you. Larger, isolated wind slabs were tested for stability on leeward, easterly aspects above treeline, but said slabs were unreactive to trigger. Many of our prime avalanche starting zones on the mountain are salt and pepper - rock and snow. You couldn't buy an avalanche, until we receive more snow. Snow surfaces are generally smooth with variable density. Protected areas host soft snow. In exposed locations, one will find firmer snow, crusts and icy scouring. Despite all told, with a touch of caution, you can still enjoy our slow start to winter. It's gorgeous up there!