Mount Shasta
Danger d’avalanche
Points saillants
Low danger persists across the forecast region and avalanche activity remains unlikely. Watch for unstable snow in extreme isolated terrain and be wary of early season hazards lurking beneath the snow surface. Normal caution is advised.
Avalanche Discussion
Another beautiful sunny California day is upon us and avalanche danger continues to pose a low risk. What does pose a risk, is the buried objects and shallow snowpack. Since the last snowfall, the snowpack has settled tremendously, bringing objects like stumps, rocks, bushes and trees closer to the surface. It's early season and finding these underlying object with your skis, board or sled, could be a potential season stopper. Take caution while traveling, especially on southern aspects where the snowpack is thinnest. Variable surface conditions are also something to consider. A melt freeze crust has taken up residency on nearly all aspects and elevations, being most prolific on southern aspects near and below treeline. A much less pronounced crust with varying thickness has developed on west, east and north aspects. While these crusts don't pose a serious risk now, apart from ski quality, it is prudent to know where they exist, as they will be the receiving surfaces for future snowfall.
Throughout the forecast region, snow depths vary slightly dependent on elevation and aspect. In general, on the east side near Military Pass, Deer Mountain and Ash Creek Butte, snow depths near treeline average 45 inches. Near treeline on Mount Shasta, snow depths average 50 inches. And in the Eddy Mountains, snow depths near treeline average 60 inches.
Now is a great time to start forming those good travel habits and ritualistic practices, so that when winter does return, you and your partners are calibrated together and ready to take on the backcountry.
Currently accessible areas for snow-centric recreation: Pilgrim Creek and Deer Mountain Snowmobile Parks, beyond the gate on Castle Lake road, McBride Springs, Snowman's Hill, Old McCloud road, and the intersection of the 31 road with the Ski Park Highway.
Coming soon: The Mt. Shasta Ski Park will open Wednesday, December 11th, and the Nordic Center will open Friday, December 13th.
***The Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake Road are CLOSED***