Mt shasta winter update and seasonal outlook
We’re mid way through the winter here in Mt. Shasta and so far it’s been a good one. While under the influence of El Nino, we’ve had regular storms deliver a deep snowpack to the mountain. Although it was a little slow to start, once the storm door opened, there was no slowing down. For the season, we have received 196” of snowfall, which currently adds up to about 130” of measured snow on the ground at 8,000’ on Mt. Shasta. And this puts us at “normal” for the water year to date. Normal may not sound very exciting, but a normal snowpack translates to excellent conditions on Mt. Shasta. And as I write, we have another Winter Weather Advisory starting this week with the potential for a couple feet of additional snow above 5,000’
For now, we’re concentrating on the near term enjoyment of the recent snowfall. The backcountry skiing has been fantastic with lots of deep falling snow to please the powder hungry. In between major AR events, the sun would break and the mountain would shine brightly over the surrounding landscape and make for postcard perfect days. We at SMG are fortunate to live and work here at the base of the mountain and have been able to enjoy near perfect winter days that we dream about.
The best part of all this recent snow and rain is that it will ensure that we have a healthy and enjoyable climbing season. Especially with the relatively mild El Nino, this year’s snow packed a little more moisture, which will hopefully linger, especially on the upper mountain. We’re feeling confident that we’ll have a great climbing season, but there is still a lot of winter remaining here in the California Cascades.
For the skiers, as mentioned the conditions have been excellent and we’re expecting this to continue through the spring and early summer. The ideal time for a summit climb and ski descent is usually May through June. With the deep base and more storms to come, this will be the year to tackle your Shasta objectives. And from day trips to muti day expeditions, we do it all on the mountain for skiers and riders.
For the climbers, winter and early season is for climbing the ridges. We are hosting Casaval Ridge climbs in April and May. We expect to see Avalanche Gulch and the West Face with good snow through June and perhaps longer. With higher snow levels this year, we may have access to more remote trailheads earlier, which opens up the Hotlum-Wintun and the Hotlum-Bolam earlier this year. North side routes and glacier climbs should be in good shape through July and well into August. We’ll be watching as the storms roll in and will update as the season approaches.
As our 42’nd season on Mt. Shasta approaches, we’re eager to share the beauty and challenge of this special experience with you. Let the locals show you our in depth knowledge of this sacred peak, be ready to be impressed.