September Shasta Ski Report

[B__]

I enjoyed a day of fine weather and great climbing conditions on Shasta yesterday. There were even some decent turns to be had, although they were hard to reach. A few hundred feet of soft, smooth (enough) snow does still exist at the very top of the Wintun Glacier. The rest of the skiing was ... well, take a look at the pictures to see the snow conditions. I started from the car at Brewer Creek at 3 in the morning and reached the top by Noon. I ran into a party at the top that had climbed up another route (Clear Creek) but they were the only people I saw all day.

Here is what the NE side of that mountain looks like in September after a low snow year.

[Matt J]

Very nice. Thanks for posting. Maybe next time... I'll keep your contact info.

[revloren]

Feed that jones man!

[dschane]

Brilliantly good vibrations. Thanks for posting.

[bergbryce]

Good job. Looks about right.
Can't say I didn't warn ya!!

[Oldschooldropout]

Looks like something between giant sun cups and penitentes. Not often seen in N America but familiar to Aconcagua summiteers. Tough sledding.

Bruce

[aqua toque]

I started from the car at Brewer Creek at 3 in the morning and reached the top by Noon.

Thanks for sharing. About the only thing I do these days at 3 in the morning is get up to pee.

Tonight I shall reflect on your achievement.

[B__]

Here are a few more shots from Sunday:





^^Especially if any component of the velocity was backwards,
the scales on these hindered side-slipping and shunting about
challenging snow formations, a process already ungainly enough.

Here is what the place looked like in September of '11 after a snowy year:

^^Below the Hotlum


^^ A smooth Wintun

One from June, last year:

^^Your EYT host

[Dostie]

^^Nasty looking snow conditions. Sure makes the low snow year of 11-12 look like a big year which it was NOT. That was a great trip. Timing is everything, eh? Any word from Em?

[jibmaster]

Ha! That brings back memories of my first trip to Shasta in the early 90's. No snow 'till 12k. Haven't seen it that bare in a while.
Good year to take the summer off I guess.
Way to go!

[TeleKay]

Nice work, B!