Mount Shasta

Avalanches are unlikely, but other mountain hazards are abundant. Shallowly buried obstacles, variable and icy snow surfaces, and extreme winds above treeline present a greater risk to backcountry travelers today. These early-season conditions demand cautious travel or a patient mindset. 

Recent warm temperatures near and below treeline have accelerated the melting of an already thin and patchy snowpack on Mount Shasta and in the Eddy Mountains. The avalanche danger remains low. On a few isolated "goldilocks" slopes -- i.e., low enough in elevation that they have experienced recent warm temperatures with poor overnight refreezes, but high enough that they hold consistent snow coverage -- the snowpack may be moist. If you find yourself punching through the snowpack to your ankle or beyond, or see rollerballs or pinwheels, wet loose slides should be on your mind. 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. 

Ground hazards such as rocks, trees, and logs are widespread. Snow generally begins between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Snow depths increase with elevation, on shadier aspects, and on wind-drifted terrain features. Where snow exists, surfaces are a smorgasbord of melt-freeze crusts, wind-textured snow, moist snow, faceted snow, and icy surfaces with slide-for-life potential. An ice axe, crampons, and a helmet are mandatory for all climbing routes. 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. Check out the recent pictures and observations page for more details about our early-season snowpack and trailhead access. If you make it into the backcountry, please consider letting us know what you see by posting an observation. We always appreciate hearing from you.

The Old Ski Bowl weather station at treeline is measuring 9 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. 

Now is the perfect time to get your gear and mindset dialed for the season. Remember the ten essentials and make sure your beacon is updated and has fresh batteries. Online resources can be great refreshers, such as this interactive avalanche safety tutorial. Or better yet, join us at one or both of the following local events this weekend. We hope to see you there! 

Events:

• Saturday, December 6th at 7pm:Know Before You Go at Deadwood Supply Co: The first of our free, monthly avalanche awareness presentations. A perfect primer for the rescue clinic the next day -- see below.
• 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.