Mount Shasta

Avalanche danger is low at all elevations. While natural and human-triggered avalanches are unlikely, it’s important to use normal caution in avalanche terrain. Stick to safe travel practices, carry avalanche rescue gear, and be mindful of isolated terrain features where small, unstable pockets could still exist.

It has been warm, with avalanche danger hard to come by. The deep storm snow of yesteryear has settled out nicely, and it's been several days without any red flags. The warm, mushy snowpack is heavy and saturated, its once-fluffy crystals transformed by the embrace of milder temperatures. Snow surfaces are soft, snowball-ready and sticky, clinging to boots and skis alike, exuding a subtle wet sheen under the sunlight. Trees drip and small roller balls collect on warm sunlit slopes below and near treeline. Higher on the mountain, northwest wind has scoured slopes and ridges, stripping snow from windward sides and depositing it in leeward depressions. This process leaves wind-scoured crusts on exposed terrain, hard and icy, while softer snow gathers in pockets. Overall, the snow is firmly adhered to the earth, resistant to wind transport, and hosts a sculpted stillness across the landscape. Snow depths are 75" at Old Ski Bowl, 77" at Castle Lake, and 58" at Mount Eddy. Everitt Memorial Highway and Castle Lake roads remain closed, with openings likely in 1–2 weeks. Best snow access: Pilgrim Creek snowmobile park (Ash Creek Butte loop groomed yesterday), Snowman’s Hill sledding area, Mount Shasta Ski Park and Gray Butte backcountry, or McBride Springs.Using normal caution in avalanche terrain means being consistently mindful of risks and taking standard precautions to stay safe. Always check the avalanche forecast before heading out. While traveling, it's important to assess the terrain carefully, choosing safer routes like ridges or low-angle slopes and avoiding steep, exposed areas. Spacing out group members to reduce the risk of multiple people being caught in a slide is also key. Everyone should carry essential avalanche safety gear—beacon, probe, and shovel—and know how to use it. Using normal caution means balancing enjoyment with vigilance, always respecting the potential dangers of the mountains.