Mount Shasta

Low avalanche danger continues. Today's main hazards include hard and icy surfaces that could result in a slip and fall, variable snow conditions, and an abundance of exposed earthly objects. Appropriate gear, cautious travel, and a patient mindset will make all the difference. 

By and large, Mt. Shasta holds the most snow coverage. The recent warm temperatures have depleted much of the snow that exists on the west side of the forecast zone in the Eddy Mountains. If you were to travel over snow, Mt. Shasta would be the place to do it. Just remember, it’s early season and various snow surfaces exist—some more friendly than others. As temperatures continue to warm, isolated areas holding ankle deep mushy snow in unforgiving terrain, may hold the potential for wet loose instabilities. Travelers should consider avoiding these locations.

Above treeline, where winds have been blowing strong, many slick and icy surfaces present a high consequence for a slip and fall. An ice axe, crampons, and a helmet are mandatory for all climbing routes. If you do choose to climb, don't forget about rock and ice fall. Furthermore, hiking poles, micro-spikes, or snowshoes aren't a bad idea if you're looking to trek about. And remember, the weather on Mt. Shasta can change in the blink of an eye. Harsh winds and white-out conditions are always an objective hazard to be prepared for.

If the ingredients for a slab avalanche exist in the forecast area, 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. 

Snow generally begins between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Snow depths increase with elevation, on shadier aspects, and on wind-drifted terrain features. Snow surfaces are a smorgasbord of melt-freeze crusts, wind-textured snow, moist snow, faceted snow, and ice. 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. If you make it into the backcountry, consider telling us what you see; our OBSERVATION PAGE is just a click away. There you can also find details about our early-season snowpack and trailhead access.

Skiing and riding from Bunny Flat is possible, barely, but it 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. 

Are you ready for winter? Take this time (while we have it) to dial in your backcountry kits. Do you have the ten essentials? Address any necessary repairs or updates to your beacon, shovel, and probe. Look over all hardware, i.e., boots, bindings, skins, skis, and poles. And start that sled up! Check fluids, plugs, belts, and electrical—mice love engine compartments.    

Big thanks to everyone who’s joined us at our events thus far. We couldn’t do it without you! Remember, you can visit our WEBPAGE, for a list of all upcoming events, or just keep an eye on the forecast page, we’ll be sure to let you know.