Mount Shasta

Avalanche danger is low, and so is the snowpack. It's been an exceptionally dry winter in Mount Shasta and what's left is melting fast. If you do happen to find yourself on a steep slope holding snow, the main concern would be small loose wet slides due to very warm temperatures over the past few days with no refreeze. Keep this in mind today and watch for signs of wet snow problems such as pinwheels, rollerballs, recent avalanches, and deep boot penetration. Also, watch out for rockfall. 

Temperatures near treeline have not dropped below freezing for 4 days. Ordinarily this would be very concerning for wet avalanche problems, but this season is not ordinary. We're on track for the driest January-March period on record. Mount Shasta has received less than 2 inches of water since January 1st (11 percent of normal). There just isn't very much snow left out there, and what is left is very consolidated. Most south facing slopes are bare ground. Avalanche danger has been low for most of the past two months. 

That being said, it's good practice to keep your head in the game and be observant when you're out in the mountains. If you find yourself in an area with good snowcover, count yourself lucky, and assess how wet the snow is becoming and for signs of instability related to wet snow. Expect rockfall as warm temperatues loosen up snow holding rocks in place. Climb early, keep your eyes up, and wear a helmet.