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West Face

Climbing Route(s): Casaval Ridge, West Face, Cascade Gulch
Region: 
Mt. Shasta
Date/Time of Observation: 
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - 11:15pm
Position: 
Climbing Ranger

General Conditions

Snow coverage is ample from Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley. Post holing remains a real struggle, particularly near rock outcroppings. A boot penetration ranging from 3 to 10 inches was experienced over the duration of the day. Deploying an ice axe when traversing the snowfield above Cascade Gulch before Hidden Valley is a good idea, especially if firm conditions present themselves. Currently, no water or dry camping is available at Hidden Valley. The West Face route displayed meager but consistent snow coverage to the top. Exposed rock and bits of rime-ice present overhead hazards and flank portions of the upper route. Above 11,500 feet, reports of sastrugi, rime ice, and heavily textured snow exist. Below 11,500 surface conditions are more gentle, consisting of smooth but somewhat runneled surfaces. Avalanche debris is present near 10,000 feet in climbers left gully. Be careful not to glissade into, or through it. Signs of rock fall were less present than compared to Avalanche Gulch. 

Photographs

  • Looking up the West Face from Hidden Valley
  • Snow travel is consistent from Bunny Flat to Hidden Valley. Looking back across Andaconda gulch
  • Snow filed above Cascade Gulch.
  • Firm conditions warrant an ice axe and crampons
  • Rounding the bend into Hidden Valley and West Face basin
  • Still lots of snow covering camping spots
  • Starting to melt out a bit
  • Avalanche debris
  • Avalanche debris
  • Casaval Ridge
  • Snow texture at 10,500 feet
  • The cross over onto the West Face
  • Snow coverage above cross-over near the upper route
  • 3 inch surface penetration
  • Looking back down at Hidden Valley
  • Skiers descending
  • Mid-route view from Casaval Ridge