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shasta in late March

PostPosted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 3:28 pm
by absinthe52
I am planning a trip to Shasta and Hood sometime in the spring. wondering how the "typical" snow/conditions are for late march/early april for a Casaval ascent. Is it better to wait until later in the spring? I know it all dependson the year, but I need to purchase airplane tix now to avoid high costs later. Any thoughts/suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for your time

PostPosted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:30 pm
by jrbouldin
We're looking at a moderate to moderately strong El-nino this winter, and March is generally pre-melt, so you are potentially looking at a lot of snow.

PostPosted: Sat Oct 24, 2009 4:34 pm
by bobpickering
On average, I would think May is your best bet for Casaval Ridge. However, Shasta can deal you any kind of weather at any time of the year. I've been blown off the mountain in May, and I've strolled up to the summit with my hat and gloves in my pack in February.

PostPosted: Sun Oct 25, 2009 12:22 am
by OWilderness
Like bob said, the conditions vary tremendously at that time of the year. Earlier this year I made a summit attempt in late April, but was nearly blown off the mountain and was dealing with sub-zero temperatures and wind-scoured ice. But I have also been up in March for skiing on a balmy beautiful day with knee-deep powder. So my guess is that the snow conditions will be great, but the weather is the variable at that time of the year.