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Avalanche Gulch

Climbing Route(s): Avalanche Gulch, Casaval Ridge, West Face, Cascade Gulch, Green Butte Ridge
Trailhead(s): Bunny Flat, Ski Bowl
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date/Time of Observation: 
Friday, September 9, 2022 - 12:00pm
Position: 
Climbing Ranger

General Conditions

Two climbing rangers and several awesome volunteers packed out the Climbing Ranger camp and gear stash located at Helen Lake on Friday 9/9/22. Beyond a few icy patches up high, Avalanche Gulch is completely melted out. The route up the Gulch is not recommended due to very loose rock which creates hazardous climbing conditions. The least hazardous route up to the summit of Shasta is still the Clear Creek route. 

Hiking up to Helen Lake from Bunny Flat or Old Ski Bowl is still a great choice for a day hike. Be aware of the near-constant sun exposure as well as lack of water if coming from OSB. A water source is still available at the Shasta Alpine Hut if hiking from Bunny Flat, but it is possible that will dry up any day now. 

Smells of fall are in the air and, soon enough, snow will blanket Avalanche Gulch once again. Until then, pray for snow!! 

Photographs

  • Looking up the Gulch proper.
  • Looking up at the Trinity Chutes.
  • Down the Gulch from Green Butte Ridge.
  • Down into the Gulch.