Mount Shasta
Avalanche danger
Highlights
Avalanches remain unlikely. Stay alert for small, isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in extreme terrain on Mount Shasta. Other backcountry hazards include falling rime ice, variable surfaces, and icy conditions with slide-for-life potential. A full mountaineering kit and strong self-arrest skills are essential for travel in the alpine.
Avalanche Discussion
It’s been over two weeks since the last recorded precipitation and avalanche activity on Mount Shasta. Since the New Year's storm cycle, January has been dominated by dry weather and consistently warm mountain temperatures as a result of strong inversions. This pattern, together with refreezes on long, clear nights due to radiative cooling, has added strength to the snowpack. Generally stable conditions exist. A solid refreeze last night and cooler temperatures today should limit wet, surface instabilities like rollerballs and pinwheels. Strong northeast winds on the upper mountain may transport limited amounts of any remaining dry, unconsolidated snow. If traveling in the alpine, stay vigilant for isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow in extreme terrain.
In terms of snow surfaces: textured is the rule, smooth is the exception. Expect a smorgasbord of crusts (sometimes breakable), wind-affected snow, wet snow, dry snow, frozen ski and sled tracks, and ice. Ski and ride with caution. Mount Shasta holds the deepest snowpack with about five feet near treeline. Shallower depths exist in the Eddy Mountains and Castle Lake (about two feet), and on the east side of the forecast area.
Climbing: Conditions have been good, but winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Shorter days, longer nights, firmer surfaces, more extreme weather, and avalanche hazard must all be taken into consideration. In the past several days, climbers have reported rime ice shedding from the Red Banks and Trinity Chutes - minimize your exposure beneath rime-covered features. Rockfall is also possible. Be prepared for firm, slide-for-life conditions. A full mountaineering kit is essential: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe, and helmet, and the skills to use them proficiently. Have the courage to turn around if things don't feel right. If planning your trip feels uncertain, give us a call. We're happy to talk it through. Ensuring a safe and positive experience is our top priority!
Snowmobile Access: Deer Mountain and Four Corners out of Macdoel are the best bets at the moment. Pilgrim Creek Sno-Park is more or less out of service. Launching from Bunny Flat to the Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta is still possible. As always, know your riding boundaries.
TODAY'S EVENTS:
- The 12th Annual SHASTA ASCENSION Backcountry Ski Race - 10am at the Mount Shasta Ski Park. Day-of registration available!
- 23rd Annual SNOWBALL featuring Scott Pemberton - 530pm at Mount Shasta City Park - Upper Lodge
- VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER - LIVE NOW, BIDDING ENDS TONIGHT
We hope to see you there!