Eric White, former Mt. Shasta Avalanche Specialist and Lead Climbing Ranger giving a free transceiver clinic at Bunny Flat Trailhead.
Educational Links:
Award Winning Avalanche Tutorial from US Forest Service La Sal Avalanche Forecast Center
Westwide Avalanche Network Education Page
Mount Shasta Information
Avalanche Accident Statistics
One of the goals of the USDA Forest Service Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and Wilderness department is
to educate the public for safe recreation in the Mountains.

Winter 2012/2013 Avalanche Awareness & Nat'l Weather Service "Weather & Climate Outlook"

These 1.5 hour presentations discuss the key factors leading to avalanche formation and avalanche accidents. Also, we'll have a NWS meteorologist start us off with a short, 1/2 hour presentation on the weather and climate outlook for this year! Join us at 7 pm and learn how to recognize the clues to avalanche danger along with some basics on safe travel in the backcountry.  The Mt. Shasta Ranger Station is located at 204 West Alma Street in Mt. Shasta.  (530)926-4511  The conference room where the presentations will take place is across the street from the main building inside the fenced compound and in the first building on the right.

December 7th, 2012

January - 4th, 2013

February - 8th, 2013

March - 1st, 2013

Winter 2012/2013 Avalanche Transceiver Clinics

Avalanche transceivers, or beacons, are the best tools we have to find someone buried in an avalanche.  Join us and learn how to use one.  Demos of several different types (BCA, Ortovox, Pieps, Mammut/Barryvox) will be available.  Dress to be outside on the snow.  All of these meet at The Fifth Season at 9 am, 300 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd, Mt. Shasta City, then travel to a training site.

  December - 8th, 2012

  January - 5th, 2013

  February - 9th, 2013

  March - 2nd, 2013

 Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin  

This 3-way partnership between BackCountry Access, the US Forest Service, and the Mt. Shasta Ski Park provides an on hill avalanche transceiver (beacon) training site.  Bring your transceiver and check in with the Ski Patrol get oriented with the training area. In the past, Beacon Basin has been located up near the top of the Douglas lift...the location of beacon basin this year is TBA.  Additionally, the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and Mt. Shasta ski park will collaborate and provide a few days of instruction and demos.  Beacon Basin is currently CLOSED... Thanks

Level I & II Avalanche Courses

These 3-4 day courses get into the details of avalanches, snow science, safe travel and rescue.  The 3 permitted outfitters on Mt. Shasta offer these courses.  Shasta Mountain Guidesand Sierra Wilderness Seminars offer these on Mt. Shasta, while Alpine Skills International offers these in the Tahoe area.  Similar courses are offered by some Universities, Colleges and outfitters elsewhere. Ski/climb/board/ride SAFE - get educated!

College of the Siskiyous will offer two avalanche courses this winter season!!
**Contact the college for enrollment information...http://www.siskiyous.edu/

Avalanche Level I - February 1-3, 2013
Avalanche Level II - March 1-3, 2013

Summer 2013 Climbing Presentations:
These 1.5 hours presentations discuss some of the history and background on Mt. Shasta, then focus on the basic skills and equipment you need to safely climb Mt. Shasta.

Mountaineering Courses

The 3 permitted outfitters on Mt. Shasta offer 2-4 day guided climbs, 4 day glacier workshops, and 1 day ice axe/crampon clinics.  For inexperienced climbers, either a guided climb or an ice axe clinic is the best way to start.   Learn how to use these mountaineering tools from the experts and prevent injuries!  Contact Alpine Skills International, Shasta Mountain Guides, Sierra Wilderness Seminars for details.