Cold overnight temperatures further solidified an already firm snowpack. Temperatures at treeline and above today will remain near freezing. Exercise normal caution when traveling in the backcountry today, and make sure to keep an eye out for cornices if you're on top of or directly below ridgelines.
Every cornice has to come down sometime. Keep an eye on ridgelines above you and don't be hanging out below any sizeable features. Keep in mind that, when walking a ridgeline, a cornice can break much further back from the edge than you might expect.
(4/10/2023)
This cornice faces northeast and is teetering on edge with a large crack several feet back.
Colder temps across the board today should keep things in place. Areas consistently exposed to direct sunshine could still potentially receive enough heat to break loose. While generally slower-moving than their slab cousins, wet loose slides can still present hazards for the backcountry traveler. Inconsequential test slopes will remain your friend over the next few days. Try before you buy!
We were able to get a bit higher on the mountain yesterday than has been the norm this season. We found a largely consolidated snowpack, though plenty of classic alpine hazards are making an appearance: rock fall, cornices, and prior loose wet slides were all present yesterday. Spring on Mt Shasta often means variable conditions, and that's very likely what we'll see over the coming days and weeks. Just because the trees in town are starting to bud out, that doesn't mean Mt Shasta has gotten the memo just yet. Alpine hazards are inevitable and still exist: Ice fall, rock fall, slick surfaces, wind slabs, cornices, and wet-loose slides are all hazards and conditions for which climbers should be prepared.
Spring is also a time when any climbing observations on the upper mountain are greatly appreciated. You can submit an observation on our website under the big blue “submit Climbing Route Observation” button on the home page. Thanks, and hope to see you all on the mountain soon.
EVENT: The Mt Shasta Avalanche Center's Community and Members Appreciation Party is happening on Saturday, April 15th, from 4-7 pm at Spring Hill Nursery and Gardens in Mount Shasta City. Come join all your local snow buddies, drink a cold one, and groove to some tunes. We'll be there...rain or shine! Admission, food, drink and music is FREE of charge. This is our chance to appreciate YOU! Thanks for the awesome season.
