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South Side Conditions After The Storm

Climbing Route(s): Avalanche Gulch, Casaval Ridge, Green Butte Ridge
Trailhead(s): Bunny Flat
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date/Time of Observation: 
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 3:00pm
Position: 
Climbing Ranger

General Conditions

Current climbing conditions are good given all the new snow. With this comes the need to use your preferred mode of travel, be it snowshoes or skis. Traveling by boot remains an option, but expect post hole conditions. Time your travels to the surface conditions. Summit and descend the mountain during the first half of the day. Express caution when traveling in areas absent of recent snow. These areas host firm surfaces and took a beating from the wind, and require careful footing. 

While traveling between 7,000 - 11,700 feet on Green Butte Ridge and in Avalanche Gulch we observed signs of recent avalanches that occurred during the storm. It remains a possibility to find snow instabilities near ridgelines and rock outcroppings. If weather is as forecasted, wet loose instabilities may be a concern.

Mount Shasta is an awesome mountain to climb. You can help maintain this experience by practicing mountain etiquette: holler "rock" if you set one loose or see one falling. Pick up trash, use your wag-bag, and most importantly have a good time!

Photographs

  • Old avalanche debris above Helen Lake from during the storm
  • An up close shot of the recent natural avalanche cycle on the east side of Casaval Ridge
  • Debris from the recent avalanche cycle on the east side of Casaval Ridge
  • Pinwheels. An indicator of a warming snow surface and an increased chance of wet loose avalanche activity.