Eric White, Avalanche Specialist giving a free transceiver clinic at Bunny Flat Trailhead.
Educational Links:
Award Winning Avalanche Tutorial from US Forest Service La Sal Avalanche Forecast Center
Westwide Avalanche Network Education Page
Mount Shasta Information
Avalanche Accident Statistics
One of the goals of the USDA Forest Service Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and Wilderness department is
to educate the public for safe recreation in the Mountains.

Winter 2010/2011 Avalanche Awareness

These 1.25 hour presentations discuss the key factors leading to avalanche formation and avalanche accidents.  Join us at 7 pmand learn how to recognize the clues to avalanche danger along with some basics on safe travel in the backcountry.  The Mt. Shasta Ranger Stationis located at 204 West Alma Street in Mt. Shasta.  (530)926-4511  The conference room where the presentations will take place is across the street from the main building inside the fenced compound and in the first building on the right.

Friday, November 19, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, December 10, 7 pm,  Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, January 14, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, February 4, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Elsewhere in the North State:   TBA 

Avalanche Awareness Presentations in the Bay Area 2011:

Monday, January 31, 7 pm, REI Saratoga

Tuesday, February 1, 7 pm, REI Fremont

Wednesday, February 2, 7 pm, REI Berkeley

Winter 2010/2011 Avalanche Transceiver Clinics

Avalanche transceivers, or beacons, are the best tools we have to find someone buried in an avalanche.  Join us and learn how to use one.  Demos of several different types (BCA, Ortovox, Pieps, Mammut/Barryvox) will be available.  Dress to be outside on the snow.  All of these meet at The Fifth Season at 9 am, 300 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd, Mt. Shasta City, then travel to a training site.

Saturday, November 20

Saturday, December 11

Saturday, January 15

Saturday, February 5

 Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin 

This 3-way partnership between BackCountry Access, the US Forest Service, and the Mt. Shasta Ski Parkprovides an on hill avalanche transceiver (beacon) training site.  Bring your transceiver and check in with the Ski Patrol to find out when it can be available for training.  Additionally, the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center provides a few days of instruction and demos.  This won't open until the Mt. Shasta Ski Park is open and significant snowpack exists.

Level I & II Avalanche Courses

These 3-4 day courses get into the details of avalanches, snow science, safe travel and rescue.  The 3 permitted outfitters on Mt. Shasta offer these courses.  Shasta Mountain Guides and Sierra Wilderness Seminars offer these on Mt. Shasta, while Alpine Skills Internationaloffers these in the Tahoe area.  Similar courses are offered by some Universities, Colleges and outfitters elsewhere. Ski/climb/board/ride SAFE - get educated!

Summer 2011 Climbing Presentations:
These 1.5 hours presentations discuss some of the history and background on Mt. Shasta, then focus on the basic skills and equipment you need to safely climb Mt. Shasta.

Mountaineering Courses

The 3 permitted outfitters on Mt. Shasta offer 2-4 day guided climbs, 4 day glacier workshops, and 1 day ice axe/crampon clinics.  For inexperienced climbers, either a guided climb or an ice axe clinic is the best way to start.   Learn how to use these mountaineering tools from the experts and prevent injuries!  Contact Alpine Skills International, Shasta Mountain Guides, Sierra Wilderness Seminars for details.