Mount Shasta

Avalanche danger is low, but firm surfaces continue to pose a serious risk of a slip and fall. Carry mountaineering tools if venturing into the alpine, and move cautiously through terrain that exposes you to greater consequence. Normal caution is advised.    

The most noteworthy factor today will be the warming temperatures. This, along with a 10,000-foot freezing level and strong solar input, should allow some softening of the snow to occur. However, this brief respite will not be enough to soften the majority of surfaces above 8,000 feet. Slide-for-life conditions are the number one concern riders, climbers, or snowmobilers face. Whether in small terrain or big, consequences still exist, especially in exposed areas presenting obstacles like rocks, ice, or trees. If you're heading into upper elevation terrain, carry an ice axe, crampons, and a helmet because rock and ice fall is occurring. Recent field reports continue to highlight this danger off the Red Banks, Casaval Ridge, Trinity Chutes, and Green Butte Ridge. Rocks and ice ranging in size from marbles to softballs have been observed. Keep those eyes to the sky! 

Forecasters recently investigated the state and structure of the snowpack, which is solid, literally! It's our surface snow that's the problem. Findings revealed near-surface weakening of faceted snow grains. These snow grains have the largest presence on north and east aspects, specifically in shady locations near treeline without a surface crust. While these facets do exist on other aspects, they're far more isolated due to the variable surface conditions of crusts, wind board, and ice. As winter returns, we'll be monitoring how these weak surfaces hold up under the weight of new snow. 

There are five days remaining in the January observation contest. Submit your public observations with “entry” in the name for a chance to win FREE Mount Shasta Avalanche Center gear. Click here for more information.

Share your observations by:

• Submitting an Observation HERE
• Tagging us @ShastaAvalanche 

Winter Recreation Access

• Everitt Memorial Highway: Open to Bunny Flat.
• Castle Lake Road: Plowed to Methodist Camp, though the gate is closed near 4,200 feet. Bike and hike access is welcome beyond the gate.
• Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park: Open; trails are groomed.
• Deer Mountain Snowmobile Park: Open, but plowed past the warming hut to Pomeroy Creek due to logging.

Read the full Tri-Forest Grooming Report here.