Mount Shasta

Today, chilly temperatures will make for low avalanche danger but a high chance for slip and fall potential and variable surface conditions. Pack the sharps and stick to sunny aspects or areas with a supportable surface for the friendliest travel.

We’re running low on green ink and message fatigue may be setting in. With a largely settled and locked-up snowpack, danger from avalanches is at an all-time low. Instead, hard, variable, and unforgiving surfaces pose the greatest risks. Remember: slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Surfaces around the compass have frozen solid over the last 24 hours, and with today’s increasing cloud cover and chilly temperatures, they may be reluctant to re-soften. The most promising locations to sniff out thawing snow will be on protected panels and bowls near treeline that face the sun.

Maintain situational awareness for any unexpected changes in snow or weather. Match you or your group's ability level to the terrain and target reasonable objects for the conditions. 

Climbing conditions remain good. However, a winter ascent of Mount Shasta is significantly riskier than that of spring and requires a higher experience level. If traveling in steep alpine terrain, continue to assess isolated pockets of wind-drifted snow. Use conservative travel practices, strong partner communication, and minimize time spent beneath overhead hazards to increase your safety margins. Firm surfaces in steep terrain could result in an uncontrollable slide-for-life. Carry a full mountaineering kit: 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. 

THANK YOU to all the racers and community members who joined yesterday’s Ascension Race and Snowball. What an outstanding turnout and head-rocking good time!