Eric White, former Mt. Shasta Avalanche Specialist and Lead Climbing Ranger 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 2011/2012 Avalanche Awareness & Nat'l Weather Service "Weather & Climate Outlook"

These 1.5 hour presentations discuss the key factors leading to avalanche formation and avalanche accidents. Also, we'll have a NWS meteorologist start us off with a short, 1/2 hour presentation on the weather and climate outlook for this year! Join us at 7 pm and learn how to recognize the clues to avalanche danger along with some basics on safe travel in the backcountry.  The Mt. Shasta Ranger Station is 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, December 2nd, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, January 6th, 7 pm,  Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, February 3rd, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Friday, March 2nd, 7 pm, Mt. Shasta Ranger Station

Winter 2011/2012 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, December 3rd

  Saturday, January 7th

  Saturday, February 4th

  Saturday, March 3rd

 Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin  

This 3-way partnership between BackCountry Access, the US Forest Service, and the Mt. Shasta Ski Park provides an on hill avalanche transceiver (beacon) training site.  Bring your transceiver and check in with the Ski Patrol get oriented with the training area. In the past, Beacon Basin has been located up near the top of the Douglas lift...this year it will be placed skiers left below tower 1, Douglas lift. This will make it much more accessible to the public.  Additionally, the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and Mt. Shasta ski park will collaborate and provide a few days of instruction and demos.  Beacon Basin is currently OPEN...please remember to check in with ski patrol before use. Thanks

BEACON BASIN DEMO DAYS ARE HERE! - Dates TBA for February and March! The US Forest Service and Mt. Shasta Ski Park are teaming up and hosting two beacon basin days where anybody can come and demo new beacons or use your own and get hands on practice with one of the most important skills in safe backcountry travel. Stay tuned for dates...

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 International offers these in the Tahoe area.  Similar courses are offered by some Universities, Colleges and outfitters elsewhere. Ski/climb/board/ride SAFE - get educated!

College of the Siskiyous will offer two avalanche courses this winter season!!
**Contact the college for enrollment information...http://www.siskiyous.edu/

Avalanche Level I - February 3-5
Avalanche Level II - March 15-17

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.