Looks like the Spring 2014 Shasta climbing season is on. Based on the somewhat pitiful snow, I think it may be a quick one. From my limited beta, I hear conditions are good right now though: 7+ feet of snow at 7,000 ft, limited rockfall higher up and fairly stable snowpack; typical ridge routes are in, along with Avy Gulch, Cascade Gulch and West Face Gully. I wonder if the usual June/July rush will be too late this year. I'm thinking of making a run or two in May. Has any been up on the hill lately?

Glorious!


For the lay person, here are some links and stuff:

Climbing advisory: http://www.shastaavalanche.org/advisori ... g-advisory
Avalanche report: http://www.shastaavalanche.org/#
Cam: http://www.snowcrest.net/camera/highres.php
Fifth Season daily mountain report (recorded): (530) 926-5555

Thanks for the update. Heading up there in June... I really hope the snow conditions hold up

Heading up Hotlum 2 weeks from now. Just read northgate trailhead is open.

Climbed Casaval on 4/12. Good coverage, but thin, might not last long. Catwalk in OK shape, one spot already melted out. Recent storm snow hasn't fully consolidated, so descent on foot/snow shoes sucked. Skiing looked great...wish I would've had my splitboard. Coverage on Shastina looked poor. Season will be ahead of normal timing. Get on it now!

Casaval next week

That’s how it looked at Hidden Valley over last weekend. Unlike some others, I did not use snowshoes. Late afternoon the snow becomes very soft, however.







Do not hesitate, go climbing!

Hotlum/Bolam Ridge as of Tuesday April 15th. Trail dry until the above the switchback. Then mud/drift postholeing glory. All snow from 9,500' above.

Green Butte Ridge - upper portions just below and above the merge with Sargents Ridge are partly melted out. Climbing involves crossing some rubble and a bit 3rd class rock. The route is almost done.