Mount Shasta

Avalanches remain low on the current list of backcountry hazards. Shallowly buried obstacles, variable and icy snow surfaces, and strong to extreme winds above treeline present a greater hazard today. These early-season conditions demand cautious travel or a patient mindset. 

It's been two weeks since the last measurable precipitation at the Old Ski Bowl on November 20th. A weak disturbance will impact the area today and may break the dry spell. However, only a dearth of snow and an abundance of wind are expected. Avalanches are unlikely today. If the ingredients for an avalanche exist, you are most likely to find them on isolated, leeward terrain features where wind-drifted snow has been deposited on top of a continuous pre-existing snowpack. 

Despite above normal precipitation since October 1st, the snowpack is thin and patchy on Mount Shasta and in the Eddy Mountains. Ground hazards such as rocks, trees, and logs are abundant. Snow generally begins between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Snow depths increase with elevation, on shadier aspects, and on wind-drifted terrain features. Where snow exists, surfaces are a smorgasbord of melt-freeze crusts, wind-textured snow, faceted snow, and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. An ice axe, crampons, and a helmet are mandatory for all climbing routes. Faceted layers in the snowpack on shady aspects on Mount Shasta, Mount Eddy, and in the Deadfall Basin are worth tracking with future loading events. Check out the recent pictures and observations page for more details about our early-season snowpack and trailhead access. If you make it into the backcountry, please consider letting us know what you see by posting an observation. We always appreciate hearing from you.

The Old Ski Bowl weather station at treeline is measuring 10 inches...a nice looking number, but not nice for winter recreation. Skiing and riding from Bunny Flat is possible, barely,  but will involve navigating dirt and/or pavement until elevation is gained. Winter recreation in the Castle Lake area, Eddy Mountains, Sand Flat XC-Ski Trails, and Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park are all a big thumbs down. Thankfully, the high early-season snow levels and subsequent melt-off have left the most popular below-treeline recreation trails snow-free for all types of non-winter recreation. 

Now is the perfect time to get your gear and mindset dialed for the season. Remember the ten essentials and make sure your beacon is updated and has fresh batteries. Online resources can be great refreshers, such as this interactive avalanche safety tutorial. Or better yet, join us at one of the following local events this weekend. We hope to see you there! 

Events:

• Friday, December 5th from 5pm to 830pm: Mt Shasta Ski Park Pre-Season Party: 80s themed - woot, woot! Highlights include a special screening of Pressure Drop by TGR, music, raffle/prizes, food, season pass pickup, and fun for all ages. Come celebrate four decades of mountain memories and get stoked for the season ahead.
• Saturday, December 6th at 7pm:Know Before You Go at Deadwood Supply Co: The first of our free, monthly avalanche awareness presentations. A perfect set-up for the rescue clinic the next day (see below).
• Sunday, December 7th at 9am: Rescue Clinic at Bunny Flat: This is a great opportunity to learn how to conduct an avalanche rescue or brush up on your skills. If you don't have a beacon, don't worry! We'll have several types for you to try out.