05-22-2015-Green Butte Ridge

As with Casaval and the other ridge routes on Mt Shasta, the prime conditions have passed, though not gone. As of late, the snow line is creeping up the mountain and the lower sections and sunny aspects of Green Butte Ridge are melting out. If one stays on the ridge proper, a lot of rock will be found. If you stay on the right or left side of the ridge, you'll find snow. The bivy sites along GB ridge are partially melted out, so expect to dig a little bit if choosing to camp there. Ther are only a couple sites along the ridge and they are exposed to the elements. Many will find camping down in the Old Ski Bowl, east of the ridge, to be much better during any sort of inclement wind or weather events. Flat terrain is not too far below the ridge proper. The crux of the GB ridge route is before The Thumb and along the "sawtooth" section of the ridge where it joins the Sargents Ridge. Most choose to climb along the west side of the ridge and route-find through rock bands. A few might try the east side of the ridge, though many have been turned back due to very steep traverses. One will notice the high consequence falls down narrow "pin ball" gullies that lead into Mud Creek Canyon and the Konwakiton Glacier area. Move fast and efficiently if climbing in a day. Two days is advised. Be very careful when traversing the sawtooth portion of the route as rocks can be easily dislodged and knocked onto fellow climbers in Avalanche Gulch. This route will not see good conditions for long. Best early season.