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Access to Mt Shasta north and east, conditions

Original Post
tim hoekstra · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2019 · Points: 0

Hi, I'm interested in climbing a North- or East-side route on Mt Shasta this weekend.  North Gate, Bolam, and Clear Creek Trailheads are all closed still, but can be accessed depending on road conditions and snow.  Does anyone know what the conditions are like right now?  Could an Outback with AWD make it through?  We don't have skis so it will be too long a trip if the roads are completely impassable.

Has anyone climbed the northside routes recently?  Is the snow firm enough for crampons all the way up, or are snowshoes needed / posthole hell expected?

Thank you!

splitclimber · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2007 · Points: 29

Roads have to be totally snowed in right now.

B G · · Reno, NV · Joined Mar 2019 · Points: 30

North side of Shasta will still be in full winter mode above 9k. There’s about 8-10 foot high snowbanks at bunny flat. Last year it took until Memorial Day for Brewer creek to be fully accessible. Road to north gate was in terrible condition last July and I can’t imagine it’s any better now. 

Forthright · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 110

No access to North and East Trail heads and, yeah post hole-ing for sure.

tim hoekstra · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Apr 2019 · Points: 0

Thanks for the responses - especially with the extent of snowfall this year it sounds like these roads will still be impassable for quite a while.  We'll start from bunny flat for this trip.  There will be plenty of opportunities this year to try these routes later.

nikhilm Mm · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 15

we went and did the Hotlum Bolam ridge the past weekend (May 4-5). A 4wd truck made it to about 1.5 mi from the Northgate TH. outback would make it with some careful driving. Shasta avalance center has regular road conditions updates. From there it was patchy snow for about 0.5mi, then full coverage for skis/snowshoes. the route is in great condition, no open  crevasses or glacier travel at all. some rime the last 3-400 feet, but easy to stomp it in.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Northern California
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