Mount Shasta

The avalanche danger is low and normal caution is advised. Continue to be mindful of rocks just below the snow surface. Upper elevation terrain on Mount Shasta is firm and smooth. Winter climbers should carry an ice axe and crampons. Self-arrest skills are mandatory for a slip and fall in steep terrain. Keep your head up for falling ice chunks off the upper mountain. Wear a helmet.

Winter recreation is happening, but only on Mount Shasta itself. Avalanche danger is slim to none. Use normal caution. A well consolidated, 2–4 feet of snow resides on the mountain. Below 6,500 feet, very little snow exists. In fact, get your mountain bike out as the trails are firing.  As for the skiing, it gets better with elevation. Below treeline is adventurous and the most likely place to get injured. Crusty snow with rain runnels and dimples are widespread. Near treeline hosts variable, transitional snow surfaces. Above treeline has the best coverage and snow quality. Still, you're bound to find some ragged turns in between the good ones. If there are any high pressure Christmas climbers out there, be cautious of steep, windward slopes that may be icy. A slide-for-life is possible without quick self-arrest with an ice axe. Yesterday, a strong northwest wind moved snow around on the upper mountain, sublimating most of it into the atmosphere. No instability or avalanches were observed. No avalanches have occurred this season.  Mt Shasta City precipitation for the wet season (since Oct 1) is 66% of normal and for December, 99% of normal. Pictures below are from yesterday's foray up to Helen Lake via Avalanche Gulch.