Mount Shasta
Avalanche danger
Highlights
The primary hazards that both climbers and riders face exist among Mount Shasta's major alpine terrain. These include isolated wind drifts, slide-for-life surfaces, and rockfall. A full mountaineering kit and strong self-arrest skills are essential. Anticipate more variable surface conditions on the lower mountain.
Avalanche Discussion
Climbers: Mount Shasta is large, the second-largest volcano in the Cascades in fact, and with stable conditions and beautiful weather, it's tempting to explore. Make sure your skills match the desired objective. While the mountain may appear friendly, only experienced climbers and ski mountaineers should venture into its alpine terrain. Winter conditions significantly increase the level of risk. Slopes above 10,000 feet and steeper than 35 degrees hold slide-for-life surfaces and require the proper use of an ice axe and crampons. Wear a helmet and watch for rime and rockfall. Strong self-arrest skills are crucial.
Warm weather continues to dominate the forecast area. Recent observations indicate the snowpack has adjusted well to the gradual warm-up, with no reports of unstable wind-drifted or wet loose snow. Continue to use caution where blowing snow is observed, old wind deposits are present, or snow surfaces begin to lose cohesion. Even small amounts of unstable snow can have serious consequences in the wrong terrain. Communicate with your partners and be prepared to change plans or objectives if you observe signs of instability, such as shooting cracks or point releases.
Warm temperatures and strong solar input have begun to soften southerly aspects to a corn-like consistency near and above treeline. Learn more in this observation, and consider submitting one yourself. We appreciate your time and thoughts.
Generally high snow levels this season have left shallower depths across lower elevations of the forecast area, including in the Eddy Mountains, Castle Lake, and on the east side of Mount Shasta. Snow surfaces consist of a highly variable and sometimes hazardous mix of crusts (often breakable), wet and sticky snow, wind-affected snow, frozen ski tracks, and icy patches on exposed features. Ski and ride with caution. Some decent snow can be sleuthed out.
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