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Climbing Advisory

05-17-25 General Conditions & Climbing Information

The Bottom Line

Greetings Climbers,

You have arrived at the BEST place on the internet for snow, avalanche, weather and climbing information on Mount Shasta. If you like what we do and appreciate this information, you can DONATE HERE!

The Everitt Memorial Highway is OPEN and climbing season has begun. The mountain experienced an above average winter and coverage is consistent down to 6,500 feet. Prime-time climbing season is now through June. Don't delay until July or later; while some routes are accessible later in the season, spring offers the ideal conditions. Long days, pleasant weather, low avalanche danger and rockfall potential and smooth, supportable surfaces all contribute to good climbing conditions. 

Don't take Mount Shasta lightly. Despite being only 15 minutes off the Interstate, it's a real mountain with real hazards. It can kill you. While often a friendly snow climb, the mountain can raise its hackles and bare its teeth from time to time. You need to recognize mountain hazards and be honest with your skills and ability. The lower half of the mountain is pretty darn friendly. The upper half is game on. Rescue is always possible, but not always when you want it. Weather, location and time of day are all key factors that contribute to a timely rescue, or not. Be prepared.

WEATHER: As always, check the weather before you climb. Click here for the Bunny Flat Trailhead point forecast and here for the Mount Shasta Recreational forecast. Spring is the time when all weather is possible. The mountain can create its own weather. Cloud caps, lenticulars, spaceships, whatever you want to call them, can shround the upper mountain on what seems like a clear, blue sky day. Once on the upper mountain summit plateau, it is very easy to become lost in the clouds and wander off the wrong side of the mountain. It happens every year and can result in lengthy SAR missions. Always carry navigation tools...doesn't matter what you use, just know how to use it...and the bottom line here...don't climb into a whiteout!

Daily avalanche forecasts have ended. Climbing Rangers will provide periodic updates regarding significant storm systems and expected rise in avalanche danger via the climbing advisory page. Recent observations and photos will also continue, so always stop by website for the latest, or give us a call.

Top mountain hazards, in order for most common, include:

  • Icy Surfaces, Slip and Fall - every single year, rangers rescue injured climbers due to slips and falls on steep, firm snow or icy surfaces. The lower half of the mountain is pretty friendly terrain. The upper half is the meat and potatoes. Long, sliding falls on hard surfaces usually never turns out well. It's essential to carry an ice axe, crampons and helmet...and know how to use them. Practice self-arrest on a slope of non-consequence before taking on bigger terrain. Self-arrest is a move that needs to happen FAST. Once you are up to speed, it's very difficult to stop. Click here for an introductory video on how to self arrest.
  • Poor Weather - climbers ascend into poor weather, white-out conditions and become lost on the upper mountain. Once again, it happens every year. Carry navigation equipment just in case, but first and foremost, don't climb into a white-out!
  • Rock and ice fall - Ice fall is most common in the early spring when the mountain sheds it's winter coat. Any rime ice you might see plastered on exposed rocks will flake off and fall onto climbers below. Wear a helmet! Later in the season, rock fall becomes more common as snow melts and loose rock becomes exposed. It's a simple equation...as snow melts, chances for rockfall increase
  •  Avalanches - As they say in California, if you don't like the weather, wait 10 minutes. Spring weather on the mountain can bring it all. Don't write off the avalanche danger just because it's spring. Pay attention to any recent storm snow, as well as the days after when wind can move snow around very efficiently. It doesn't have to be snowing for their to be avalanche danger. Loose wet avalanches are also a hazard on those warm days. We advise carrying an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe for early spring adventures. Should you choose to not, at least carry a shovel if snow camping.

One of the best skills to have in the mountains is flexibility! Conditions can change daily. Be honest with your skills and abilities. Plan and prepare properly. Be willing to turn around if you're not feeling it. Pick good partners. Don't get summit fever!

Bunny Flat and Northgate are currently the only open wilderness trailheads. You may still access snow covered trailheads on foot, but services are limited. Keep in mind, you are still REQUIRED to carry a summit pass ($25), wilderness permit and human waste packout bag if climbing. These items are not available at closed trailheads, thus you will need to get them at Bunny Flat, Northgate, Mt. Shasta or McCloud Ranger Stations. There is now an electronic fee machine available at Bunny Flat. Credit sales are available for 3-day or annual passes. Please keep the receipt with you as you climb. 

As always, feel free to give us a call to help plan your Mount Shasta adventure. There is something for everyone!

Conditions Update

Current Conditions as of 5.17.2025

  • Snow surfaces are firming up, though you'll still find areas with knee deep boot penetration below 12,000 feet. Above 12,000 feet climbers are finding even firmer surfaces with icy, wind swept sections going up Misery Hill and across the Summit Plateau. Avalanche danger is decreasing as the new snow is settling out and went through a widespread natural wet avalanche cycle on all aspects up to 12,000 feet. 
  • Through the rest of the weekend, the wind is the main limiting factor for aspiring climbers. Northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph are expected at 10,000 feet through Sunday night. At 14,000 feet, the forecast is calling for winds ranging from 50 to 66 miles per hour. By Monday morning, the wind will decrease, but this downward trend won't bring favorable summit wind conditions until Tuesday. 
  • Click here to view our most recent climbing observation on the Southside of Mount Shasta.

Trailhead Access Information as of 5.7.2025

*Mileage represents the distance of snow-covered roads to trailheads.

  • Northgate:  ~.5 road mile - trailhead is open with summit passes, wilderness permits and wag bags. You can't drive all the way in yet, but it's close! 
  • Brewer Creek:  ~8 road miles, not a reasonable approach. "Easiest" access to the Hotlum-Wintun is via Northgate TH and then traverse over there. Still, not that easy.
  • Clear Creek:  ~4 miles

*Click here to read a detailed access observation with photos and maps.*

CHECK THE WEATHER

  • Sometimes small storms create more trouble than larger storms as climbers think they can "sneak" up to the top and "it won't be that bad...". This often leads to becoming lost and descending the wrong side of the mountain. We can't say it enough: DON'T CLIMB INTO A WHITEOUT and play it safe when the weather is inclement.

Note that Redbanks is NOT almost the top

  • At 12,500 feet, you still have several thousand vertical feet to go. Use Redbanks as a solid check in point with yourself and your group: How is the weather? What time of day is it? How are we feeling? Once you commit to the upper mountain, conditions change, wind can be extreme, cloud caps are possible limiting visibility. It catches climbers off guard every year. Make good decisions!

Bunny Flat:

  • Campers may use the parking lot, but please avoid setting up a large base camp. Keep it tight and leave room for others. Please do not have fires in the parking lot, unless you plan to use a fire pan, or clean up all burned material. There are bathrooms and trash service, but no water is available.

The Sierra Club has opened their composting toilet and has accessible spring water. Expect to melt snow for water anywhere else on the mountain. Bring extra stove fuel!

Early season ascents of ridge routes like Casaval, Green Butte, and Sargents are recommended. These routes melt out quickly. Once melted, they are a rocky, loose mess. Avalanche Gulch, West Face and Shastina are also in great shape. Visit our observations section for the latest photos, etc.

You are REQUIRED to pack out your human waste within the Mount Shasta Wilderness. Please pickup a FREE human waste packout bag at the ranger stations or open trailheads before hitting the hill.

Please read all the information below to educate yourself on general information about what it takes to climb Mount Shasta safely. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to give us a call. We are not always in the office, but will respond as soon as we can: 530-926-9614 or email nicklaus.meyers@usda.gov.

Be Prepared

Our goal is to ensure you have a positive wilderness experience and come home in one piece. To do so:

  • BE PREPARED
  • DO YOUR RESEARCH 
  • ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
  • KNOW HOW TO USE YOUR ICE AXE & CRAMPONS.
  • CARRY PROPER NAVIGATION TOOLS AND KNOW HOW TO USE THEM
  • REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY. 

Accidents and Hazards

Many incidents occur on the mountain every season. The most common accidents include rockfall injuries, lost climbers, and slips and falls in steep terrain. Most accidents can be prevented with proper planning and preparation. 

  • Do not climb into a whiteout. Always carry a map and compass and/or GPS device and route plan ahead of time.
  • Keep your group together. If you split up, have a solid plan and make sure everyone has proper equipment and knows the way.
  • Do not glissade with crampons on. If you choose to glissade, take OFF your crampons and make sure the snow is soft.
  • Know how to self-arrest properly with your ice axe. A slip and fall on the upper mountain can be fatal.
  • Wear a helmet and watch out for rockfall. Climbers get hit every year.

With the right knowledge, skill, equipment, and decision-making, these accidents can be easily prevented. Please, wear a helmet, and know how to use your ice axe and crampons any time of the year.

There is always the potential for thunderstorms during the summer months to shroud the mountain in clouds, limiting visibility. Climbers becoming disoriented on the upper mountain in whiteout conditions and subsequently descending the wrong route is not uncommon. These kinds of scenarios have resulted in many searches over the years. It should go without saying, but we will say it as a solid reminder: Check the weather before you go, and continue to monitor the weather as you climb. DO NOT CLIMB INTO A WHITEOUT! Being caught on the mountain in any type of weather can compromise life and limb.

Understand that if something goes wrong or a member of your climbing party gets injured, you need to be prepared to self-rescue. If you have an emergency on the mountain, call 911. Be prepared to provide your location and the nature of the injury. 

Many hazards exist in mountain terrain. Some of these include:

  • Ice and rockfall
  • Altitude
  • Extreme weather
  • Avalanches

Icefall and rockfall are possible year-round. It's a simple equation: as snow melts, rockfall increases. If rime ice is plastered to exposed rocks above, it will eventually flake off and fall onto climbers. Wear a helmet and keep your eyes upslope as you climb. Pay attention to other climbers: rockfall is often caused by climbers resting in melted out areas and accidentally dislodging rocks onto slopes and climbers below. Be careful not to kick rocks down onto others.

At the height of 14,179 feet, Mount Shasta is a high altitude peak. It is common for climbers to experience acute mountain sickness (AMS) with signs and symptoms of nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. Despite being a common condition, AMS should not be taken lightly. It can quickly develop into a much more serious and potentially deadly pulmonary or cerebral edema. Rest and hydration are vital to alleviating AMS symptoms. If these symptoms do not improve, your only choice is to descend!

Mt Shasta is a 14, 179-foot volcano with steep slopes, avalanches, glaciers, rockfall, altitude, and extreme weather. Some may feel like Mt Shasta is "safe" due to its proximity to Interstate 5 and its "easy" climbing objective connotation. This is false. One should still expect cold, winter-like conditions at any time of year. Have the appropriate gear AND skill level. Mountaineering is dangerous, and climbers must constantly evaluate the terrain, weather, and many other factors to have a safe trip. One should also not expect immediate rescue. Many factors can prolong rescues. Thus, it is necessary, no matter what mountain of the world, that you be prepared.

Mountain Weather

Check the WEATHER FORECAST before coming up onto Mt. Shasta! Our site's main menu hosts numerous resources on the weather. Researching the mountain weather should be an important part of your trip planning.

Clouds and Precipitation: While you may encounter fair weather at lower elevations, cloud caps can form up high. Never climb into a whiteout, as many climbers have become lost or died in similar conditions. Many routes from all aspects of Mt. Shasta converge on the upper mountain (>12,500 feet). During limited visibility conditions, climbers have descended the wrong side of the mountain. Keep an eye on the sky as you climb, turning around if clouds begin to build on or near the mountain.

Lightning: Mt. Shasta is a 14,000-foot lightning rod and is frequently hit by lightning (usually in summer and fall months), so don't push your luck with building thunderheads.

Wind: Winds can reach over 100 mph at tree line (8,000 ft) and much higher in the alpine region. Winds of 40 mph can knock you off balance. Winds of 60-70 mph can force you to crawl. Hurricane strength winds (>74 mph) can make it nearly impossible to stand and will destroy well-anchored tents. The strongest winds occur with big pressure and temperature gradients in the atmosphere and tend to occur in front of and behind storms. The lowest winds occur when the center of high pressure is over the Mt Shasta area. Take this seriously as the wind has resulted in searches, injuries, and fatalities.

Tips & Notes

Climb early and descend early. This limits exposure to inclement weather (afternoon buildup of clouds is common), allows plenty of time to descend before dark and allows a rescue effort to ensue before dark if one gets injured or lost.

Get an alpine start (2-5 am) and have a turnaround time of 12 to 1 pm. Proper equipment, clothing, and training are a must. Helmets are always recommended and expect rock and ice to fall at any time.

Bring extra warm gear (like a down jacket, balaclava, and extra gloves) in all seasons as climbers often develop superficial frostbite during strong winds. The wind chill temperature near the summit in winter and spring can be well below zero.

Anchor your tent well wherever you camp. Tents can and do blow away frequently. Do not plan to camp above treeline if you do not have anchor lines for your tent.

Solo climbing is not recommended. Traveling with an experienced group is a good idea, and remember - do not split up the group!

The routes on the north and east sides are not recommended for unguided novices; glacier travel and route finding skills are prerequisites.

Mountain Rescue

Do not expect to be rescued. Rather, prevent rescues from happening in the first place, and be prepared to handle rescues within your climbing party should something happen. Nature sets its own terms, and YOU must judge how much risk you are willing to accept.

When to Climb

The BEST time to climb Mt. Shasta is usually from May to mid-July on the south and west sides of the mountain when summer days are longer and the weather is generally stable. However, in dry years, the thin snowpack creates the best climbing conditions in April, May and early June. When the snow melts, you are left with 7,000 feet of scree, talus, and boulders. In heavy snow years, the climbing season extends to August or September. There is NO trail to the summit. Climbing is much safer and more fun on consolidated snow.

A winter climb of Mt. Shasta is possible. Still, it is more difficult and dangerous: extreme weather, short days, avalanches, falling ice and potential post-holing increase the difficulty and danger on all routes. If you choose to travel in the backcountry during the winter and spring, you need to have the proper equipment and training to stay safe. An avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, with the ability to identify avalanche terrain and snow instability, is essential. A climb of Shasta should not be taken lightly.

Every year, many climbers become lost, injured, or killed while attempting Mt. Shasta. Many of these accidents could have been prevented with a bit of pre-planning and training. YOU need to come prepared.

What to Bring

  • MANDATORY: wilderness permit, summit pass, human waste pack-out bags. Available for self-issue at all open trailheads.
  • THE TEN ESSENTIALS: map and compass, sunglasses and sunscreen, extra food and water, extra clothing, headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, matches/lighter, stove, knife/multi-tool, bivouac sack.
  • HELMET, ICE-AXE, & CRAMPONS
  • AVALANCHE BEACON, AVALANCHE PROBE, SHOVEL

Wilderness permits, summit passes, and pack-out bags are currently available at Bunny Flat, the Mt. Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations and The Fifth Season outdoor store in Mount Shasta City. The Mount Shasta and McCloud Ranger Stations are typically open Monday through Friday from 8 to 4:30 PM. Check our climbing regulations for more details.

Winter and Spring months usually see periods of heightened avalanche danger, though this danger could exist in the summer months under the right circumstances. Research the weather and avalanche danger while planning your trip. Have your climbing party bring avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels armed with proficient skills in their use. Know how to identify avalanche terrain and evaluate snowpack stability.

Shasta Alpine Hut (formerly Horse Camp)

The stone cabin at treeline on the Avalanche Gulch climbing route is open year-round and all are welcome. However, one cannot sleep inside the cabin, except in emergencies.  The composting toilet is OPEN and spring water is availible.  If you plan on camping a nominal $3/bivy and $5/tent fee is asked. There is a fee deposit tube inside the cabin. This fragile area gets a lot of use. Please practice Leave-No-Trace principles.  Lastly, the property owner, the Sierra Club Foundation, manages its property under the Mt. Shasta Wilderness rules – dogs, horses, and other domestic animals are not allowed.  No drones.  Thanks!

Dogs

DOGS, AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS, ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE MT. SHASTA WILDERNESS OR WITHIN THE SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION PRIVATE PROPERTY (Shasta Alpine Hut).

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