Mount Shasta
Lawinengefahr
Kernpunkte
The avalanche danger is low. Earthly hazards are high. Small to large rocks, trees and patches of dirt are widespread below and near treeline, and the likelihood of encountering is certain. Above treeline, one can find a salt and pepper mix of volcanic stone and icy snow. Even the frothiest of frothers are lurking in the shadows. Tread lightly.Daring climbers... beware of firm, slide for life conditions on the upper mountain. Mount Shasta has some teeth right now. Strong northwesterly wind is in effect over the ridges today.
Avalanche Discussion
We can't talk about avalanches, but we'll find problems to talk about...problems like rocks, trees, logs and dirt, oh my. Yes, it's been a slow start to the season. No turkey day shredding of yesteryear... just eating, waiting, biking, hiking, ice skating (Upper Deadfall Lake is IN, click here for yesterday's observation). It's still early folks, and winter will come. Patience is a virtue. Impulse control (a key skill to teach your dog ), allows individuals to make thoughtful decisions rather than impulsive ones, and is associated with positive outcomes such as personal and professional success, improved relationships, better problem solving and is linked to wisdom and maturity. We like the wisdom part, but maturity?
Precipitation for the season in Mount Shasta City:Month to date: 0% of normalWet Season (Since Oct 1): 132%Year 2025: 134%
Thus far, higher snow levels and breaks between storms for melt and wind redistribution have left a predominantly shallow snowpack. Snow begins between 6,000' and 7,000' and increases with elevation. Our Old Ski Bowl weather station at treeline is measuring 10 inches...a nice looking number; not nice for winter recreation. Skiing and riding from Bunny Flat is possible, kind of, but will involve dirt and/or pavement until elevation is gained. Winter recreation in the Castle Lake area, Eddy mountains, Sand Flat XC-Ski Trails, Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park... all a big thumbs down.
Check the pictures, they are worth one thousand words. The avalanche danger is low. Hazard from earthly obstacles is not. For climbers, snow surfaces are hard and slick. The safest areas to travel are on north and east aspects where more continuous and deeper snow exists, as well as gullies and depressions where snow has drifted deeper.
Now is the time to engage in self-rescue practice and get your gear dialed in for the season, including the ten essentials and your avalanche kit. This Saturday, December 6th at 7:00 pm at Deadwood we will be hosting our monthly Know Before You Go, a free avalanche awareness presentation. This will be followed by a rescue clinic at Bunny Flat on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 9:00 am. In the event of an avalanche, there is no time to think, only ACT! Remember, YOU are the rescue party!
Thanks again to a great season kick-off with our Giving Tuesday party. We appreciate the support so much.