Mount Shasta

Low avalanche danger continues. Plan for a myriad of variable snow surfaces and pack the mountaineering tools if traveling in the steeps. Exercise caution and safe travel protocols in consequential terrain. Protected, solar aspects near treeline hold the best chance for softening surfaces.

Maintain situational awareness for any unexpected changes in the snow, and match you or your group's ability level to the terrain and target reasonable objectives for the conditions. Now is a great time to get out and explore under beautiful weather.  

It feels like spring has arrived. However, Mount Shasta’s alpine still hosts a winter environment where hazards exist. The primary of these being hard and slick surfaces that could result in an uncontrollable slide-for-life. Mountaineering tools are essential for safe and secure alpine travel. The next concern is wind deposited snow in steep, isolated, and exposed alpine terrain. Assess for cracking in wind drifted areas where stiff snow overrides soft snow. If climbing, always check the weather and know that a winter ascent of Mount Shasta holds a significantly higher risk and experience level than that of a spring climb. See the Climbing Advisory for more details.    

Mount Shasta’s snowpack and the surrounding terrain hold a spectrum of surface textures and conditions. The lengthening days and stable weather should aid in buffing out snow textures and trend the snowpack toward a melt-freeze cycle in the days to come. Protected, solar aspects hold the highest chance for crusts and firmer surfaces to thaw. It’s uncertain how long it will take for warming snow to destabilize to a point of concern, so remain observant. Rollerballs and soggy, cohesionless surfaces will be the first signs of a developing wet loose problem.

Keep an eye out for shedding rime ice, and don’t forget the sunscreen!