Mount Shasta

Avalanches remain unlikely. Stay alert for signs of unstable snow, especially in extreme terrain. Variable conditions and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential exist. If you plan to travel on steep slopes above treeline, bring an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet, and know how to use them.

Today marks the end of an extended mid-winter dry spell. Since January 8th, the Old Ski Bowl has recorded just 3” of snow (.22” SWE). Recent signs of instability have been minimal (see observations). Generally stable conditions exist and Normal Caution is advised. If any wet snow instabilities develop as temperatures rise today, they are expected to be very small in size and limited to isolated, steep, sun-exposed terrain features. Tonight, an incoming storm may produce very light snow accumulations near and above treeline, but not enough to increase avalanche danger. 

As always, stay alert for signs of instability as you travel through the backcountry, especially in extreme terrain where even small avalanches can have big consequences. Be prepared to change your route or objective if you observe signs of unstable snow. 

Aspect, elevation, slope angle, and time of day are the key variables that determine current snow surface conditions. Expect a medley of crusts (sometimes breakable), softening wet snow as the sun warms solar aspects, drier snow on shadier aspects, ice on exposed ridgelines, and heavily textured snow in high-traffic areas. Steep, sunny aspects experienced multiple melt-freeze cycles this week and have held decent corn snow with the right timing. Today's cooler temperatures, westerly winds, and cloud cover may limit surface softening at higher elevations. Lower elevation terrain - below about 6,500 feet - on the south half of the compass is either bare ground or holds patchy, inconsistent snow coverage. Snow depths measure 64 inches near treeline on Mount Shasta, 28 inches on Mount Eddy, and 23 inches at Castle Lake. 

Climbing: Climbing conditions will deteriorate as a storm approaches this afternoon into tonight. A winter ascent of Mount Shasta is a very different undertaking compared to the friendlier conditions of spring. Key hazards include firm, icy surfaces that can create slide‑for‑life scenarios, rime icefall, whiteout conditions, extreme winds, and negative wind chills. 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. See the Climbing Advisory page for more details. Feel free to give us a call if you have questions about your trip!

Events this weekend:

• TONIGHT: Saturday, February 7th at 7pm - Know Before You Go at Deadwood Supply Co in Mount Shasta
• Sunday, February 8th at 9am - Companion Rescue Beacon Clinic at Bunny Flat

We hope to see you there!