Mount Shasta

Strong to extreme winds above treeline, firm surfaces and exposed obstacles pose the greatest hazard today. Options for travel on dry or mostly dry ground exist below treeline. For travel at higher elevations, more careful decision making is needed to negotiate the terrain. 

It's the third week since our last notable precipitation event in mid November. Snow is far from bountiful in the forecast area, but it’s hard not to enjoy the unseasonably warm and pleasant weather, including other forms of (non-winter) recreation! This week, it’s not unreasonable to see temperatures near historic highs for Mount Shasta City.

Snow begins between 6000 and 7000 feet, but snow line is continuing to trend upward and growing increasingly sparse. Little coverage remains in the vicinity of Bunny Flat. More continuous snow exists at upper elevations on Mount Shasta, especially in wind drifted terrain, gullies and on shadier aspects. In general, surfaces encompass a variety of melt-freeze crusts, wind texture, faceted snow, and icy surfaces. If you make it into the backcountry, consider posting an observation! We would love to hear from you. There you can also find information about our early-season snowpack and trailhead access.

The danger from sliding snow is low, but other hazards remain unchanged: Exposure to obstacles beneath a shallow snowpack and a slip and fall on a firm slope. Strong to extreme northwesterly winds near and above treeline are an additional hazard today. With the warm temperatures this week, wet loose avalanches are a possibility. Sinking past your shins in moist snow is a sign to change to a colder aspect though stronger winds today should help keep surfaces cooler. Leeward terrain features where wind-drifted snow has accumulated is another area of caution, but these areas are extremely isolated.

Please also visit our website for a list of upcoming events. Thank you to everyone who’s joined us at our events so far. Many still to come. We’ll keep you posted as they get closer!