Mount Shasta

Low avalanche danger prevails. A shallow and unforgiving snowpack full of earthy objects and icy surfaces remains the greatest hazard to backcountry enthusiasts. Appropriate gear, cautious travel, and a patient mindset will make all the difference. 

It’s December 7th, and thus far winter’s acting a bit like a horse stuck in the starting gate. As for Mt. Shasta’s snowpack, recent warm temperatures have caused areas of snow near and below treeline to become moist. While these areas are extremely isolated, like a diamond in a coal mine, they should get your brain thinking about the potential for wet loose instabilities. Consider moving locations if you are sinking up to your ankle in moist snow or witnessing pinwheels or rollerballs. If the ingredients for a slab avalanche exist in the forecast area, you are most likely to find them on isolated, leeward terrain features where wind-drifted snow has been deposited on top of a continuous pre-existing snowpack. 

On the flip side, surfaces above treeline have been at the mercy of extreme northerly winds and present a high consequence for a slip and fall.  An ice axe, crampons, and a helmet are mandatory for all climbing routes. Furthermore, hiking poles, micro-spikes, or snowshoes aren't a bad idea if you're looking to trek about. 

Mt. Shasta's teeth remain sharp, and until we receive more snow cover, there are several objective hazards to be aware of. 

These include: 

• Exposed earthly objects like rocks, trees, and logs
• Slide-for-life conditions
• Rock and ice fall
• Inclement weather, i.e., strong winds and white-out conditions.   

Snow generally begins between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Snow depths increase with elevation, on shadier aspects, and on wind-drifted terrain features. Snow surfaces are a smorgasbord of melt-freeze crusts, wind-textured snow, moist snow, faceted snow, and ice. Faceted layers in the snowpack on shady aspects on Mount Shasta, Mount Eddy, and in the Deadfall Basin are worth tracking with future loading events. If you make it into the backcountry, consider telling us what you see; our OBSERVATION PAGE is just a click away. There you can also find details about our early-season snowpack and trailhead access. 

The Old Ski Bowl weather station at treeline is measuring 8.5 inches...a nice looking number, but not nice for winter recreation. Skiing and riding from Bunny Flat is possible, barely, but it will involve navigating dirt and/or pavement until elevation is gained. Winter recreation in the Castle Lake area, Eddy Mountains, Sand Flat XC-Ski Trails, and Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park are all a big thumbs down. Thankfully, the high early-season snow levels and subsequent melt-off have left the most popular below-treeline recreation trails snow-free for all types of non-winter recreation. 

Are you ready for winter? Take this time (while we have it) to dial in your backcountry kits. Do you have the ten essentials? Address any necessary repairs or updates to your beacon, shovel, and probe. Look over all hardwear, i.e., boots, bindings, skins, skis, and poles. And start that sled up! Check fluids, plugs, belts, and electrical—mice love engine compartments.    

Events:

• Sunday, December 7th at 9am: Rescue Clinic at Bunny Flat: This is a great opportunity to learn how to conduct an avalanche rescue or brush up on your skills. If you don't have a beacon, don't worry! We'll have several types for you to try out.    

Thanks to everyone who came out last night for the Know Before You Go presentation!