Mount Shasta

Avalanche danger is low. Variable snow surfaces and shallow buried obstacles dominate. Climbers beware of rockfall, icefall and slick surfaces on the upper mountain. Expect blustery northwest wind over higher terrain. 

The danger of avalanches remains low. There is a slim chance of small, wet loose slides in isolated, extreme terrain above treeline, predominantly steep solar aspects that are receiving the brunt of the winter sun in combination with unseasonably warm temperatures. Snow begins between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, but the snowpack is very thin. Little coverage remains at the Bunny Flat trailhead. Deeper snow exists above treeline on Mount Shasta, especially in wind drifted terrain, gullies, and on shadier aspects. In general, surfaces encompass a variety of melt-freeze crusts, wind texture, faceted snow, and icy surfaces.Observation and photos from a foot walking foray into Avalanche Gulch yesterday...Our last notable precipitation was on November 20th. Temperatures are trending well above normal. This weekend may be the last nice weather window before a welcomed pattern change next week. We've danced all the jigs and jingles, and hope it's working. Winter officially begins December 21st. Precipitation since January 1st is 81% of normal, and since October 1st (the wet season) 91% of normal.The only shredding happening around here are the dirt sports and maybe some leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Weather is strange. Life is strange. You arrive with nothing, spend your whole life chasing everything, and still leave with nothing. Make sure your soul gains more than your hands. While winter recreation has ceased to begin, we're keeping our chins up by enjoying dog walks in mild temps, stunning lenticular clouds and brownie mix mountain bike trails.

If you want to ski, the best option for turns is the east side via the Brewer Creek trailhead. If you want to climb, the weather looks good this weekend, but be aware of the hazards. For all routes, these include potential for rime ice, rockfall and slick, slide for life conditions on the upper mountain. A slip and fall with rocky bits in your fall line is a ticket to heaven. There are moments in mountaineering when, one must not fall! A full mountaineering kit is advised: 12-point crampons (NOT microspikes), ice axe and helmet...along with the ability to know how to use them. All trailheads are still accessible currently. The last mile of the Clear Creek trailhead road is 4x4 only.

If you make it into the backcountry, consider posting an observation! We would love to hear from you. Please also visit our EVENTS page for a list of happenings. Many still to come! Thanks for the support and see you on the slopes. We've got a lot of winter left!