05-20-2016-Hotlum/Wintun Snowfield

Road access to Brewer Cr. trail head is currently limited by snow coverage. As of 5/22/2016 you can drive to 2.6 miles past the road junction of FS 19 and the 42N02 until the road is blocked by snow.  This leaves 3-3.4 road miles remaining to the Brewer Cr. trail head facilities. You can travel approximately 2 miles on the road then head straight up the hill at what is called the "wash out"  where a large gully crosses the road about 1 mile shy of the trail head proper.  The gully should contain enough snow for skiers/split boarders to skin up being able to stay on snow for the remainder of your ascent.  There are no wilderness permits or summit passes available at the trail head.  You will need to acquire these at either the Mt. Shasta or McCloud ranger stations, available 24/7, or at the Fifth Season in Mt. Shasta City. The current conditions on this route are great for climbing and skiing. The snow has been transitioning into full spring conditions, however, current inclement weather has added a few inches of new snow to the route.  The snow consistency will change with elevation and time of day. Climb early to avoid any possible post-holing on hot days. As with all the east side routes, sun hits them early and the snow will soften relatively quickly.  Current avalanche danger is overall LOW, but will be at it most sensitive during and immediately after storm cycles.  Loose wet avalanche activity will be possible as sun and warm temperatures return.  A beacon, shovel and probe are recommended. Even though you may not get fully buried by a loose wet slide, they can certainly sweep you into undesirable terrain and of course, still bury you in a terrain trap.  Rock fall has been low but always be on the look out, especially 11,000 feet and above. Wear a helmet!

This route is pretty straight forward with a couple variations possible near the top. Stay on snow, don't knock rocks down onto climbers below. Icy patches may be found in areas as the seasonal snow pack dwindles. Where most people run into trouble on this route is descending back to their car. It's common to miss your vehicle too far to the south (skiers right). Skiers tend to try and ski as low as possible on the long fingers of snow that extend below tree line...while we don't blame them, this will take one far to the south. When descending, be sure to make a gradual trend skiers left, aligning yourself between Ash Creek Butte and the large lava flow that abruptly drops off at around 9,000 feet. If you put yourself in between these two land forms, you'll nail the descent every time. Again, just remember to trend left at the base of the lava flow at about 9,000 feet, not too far, but by placing yourself in between Ash Creek Butte and the blocky lava flow. This is mostly an issue for skiers and when there is snow down to the trailhead.

Water is sometimes found flowing from melting snow fields, but don't count on it. Bring extra fuel to melt snow.