Mount Shasta

Low avalanche danger prevails across the forecast area. Wet avalanche issues are unlikely unless they lead to slips in high-consequence terrain. Snow coverage is good for this time of year, but shallow, earthly obstacles like rocks, stumps and trees still linger below the snow surface in select areas. Expect and enjoy sunshine, variable snow surfaces and low danger for the foreseeable future.

In like a lion, out like a lamb. Our autumn to winter transition this year was rather dramatic, with the area hosting a slow moving atmospheric river that soaked the region in late November. Since then, strong high pressure sustains its hold over a December dry spell. Strong inversions and stagnant air have been the daily norm. None-the-less, we have a great base for winter. Snow on the ground near treeline on Mount Shasta measures 55 inches. On the west side in the Castle Lake and Mount Eddy zones, 36 and 39 inches of snow remains, respectively. An avalanche cycle occurred during the late November super soaker, but since then activity has been minimal. We've been chatting about wet loose instability over the past few days, but that hazard has largely subsided. Snow surfaces are variable. Expect to find crust, powder, wind and sun affected snow pending your aspect and elevation. Overall, normal caution is advised. Access to the backcountry remains difficult due to closed roads. The Siskiyou County roads crew is working to open the Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads, ASAP. Expect closed roads for at least a few more days.