Mount Shasta

Today, avalanches are unlikely. The greater hazard remains early season conditions. Travelers should anticipate thin snow coverage, variable surfaces, and many partially buried and unforgiving obstacles. Remember, slow is smooth, and smooth is safe in these conditions. 

Greetings and welcome to another season with the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center. The start to winter has been slow, but that’s not to say it won’t show up. Avalanche danger may be low, but danger from thin snow coverage and exposed obstacles is not. The last snowfall occurred on November 16th, depositing a foot of snow near treeline. Since then, some snow has melted and been blown away, leaving behind a hard and variable snowpack. Snow line begins at 7,000' with roughly a foot of snow on average. If you choose to travel in the backcountry, do so carefully. Many unforgiving objects like rocks, stumps, and trees lurk just beneath the surface. For any individuals itching to climb the mountain, the majority of snow surfaces are hard and slick and present a serious hazard for slip and fall conditions. The “safest” areas to travel are on north and east aspects where more continuous snow exists or in gullies and depressions where snow has drifted and depths are much deeper. Either way, the mountain is certainly showing its teeth, and a crash or fall in such conditions could lead to serious injury. Don't end your season before it's begun.  

Come join the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center for Giving Tuesday and the Season Kickoff Party (tomorrow), December 2nd, 4:00pm–8:00pm at Theory Coffee in Mount Shasta. Can't make it but still want to donate? Click this LINK! We appreciate all the support. As always, you can head to our website, shastaavalanche.org for all our seasons classes and events. And if you get out and about and want to submit an observation, you can do so here. We'd love to hear from you. 

Check out this observation for a conditions update on the west and east sides of the forecast zone.  While it may not be dumping snow, and it's low tide for sliding and riding, it's an excellent time to work off that Thanksgiving meal and get out for some rescue practice. Rescue is a technical skill that, if you don't use, you lose. Make sure your pack is dialed with all the necessary avalanche equipment and the ten essentials for backcountry safety. We wish everyone a safe season ahead, and don't forget to do your snow dance!