Avalanche Gulch

Continuous snow coverage in Avalanche Gulch currently exists near 8,000 feet at the Shasta Alpine Hut (Horse Camp). However, snow on Spring Hill is melting quickly and once it goes, the continuous snow line will rise to 8,400 feet. Where snow remains, plenty of visible and shallowly buried rocks exist in Avalanche Gulch, especially at lower elevations. Ski and ride with caution.

Once on snow, surfaces remained supportable to skis throughout the tour but became punchy and unsupportable to boots in places up to 10,000 feet by mid-afternoon. Snow surfaces on southerly aspects softened on our descent around 4pm, and had even started to re-freeze on southeast aspects above 10,000 feet with a thin layer of firnspiegel. Smooth snow surfaces are difficult to come by in lower Avalanche Gulch. 

Wind speeds increased dramatically above 10,000 feet. Strong, downslope gusts were enough to throw skiers off-balance and blow small pellets of snow and ice. Climbers on the upper mountain reported cold temperatures and extreme winds. 

Important Reminders:

Please use the summer trail through Horse Camp to access AND depart Avalanche Gulch to protect the fragile alpine environment. Water and bathrooms are available at Horse Camp. 

Please do your part to help keep Helen Lake and Mount Shasta clean - it takes a village! See our updated Climbing Advisory for more details about climbing Mount Shasta.