Winter Storm Watch
2026-01-04T22:00:00-08:00

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 5000 Feet. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet possible. South winds could gust as high as 60 mph over high and exposed terrain. * WHERE...North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County, South Central Siskiyou County, and Western Siskiyou County at elevations above 5000 feet. Snow levels around 6000 feet on Friday evening will fall to around 5000 feet by Sunday. This includes the following passes or notable locations... Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Rd at 5950 ft. Mt. Shasta ski park highway at 5462 ft. Bunny Flat on Everitt Memorial highway at 6900 ft. Grass Lake at Mt. Hebron at 5291 ft. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be lowest on Sunday evening, with an accumulating snow likely on Snowman Summit. Additional snow is possible early next week with little change in the snow level.

Mount Shasta Mountain Peaks

Mountain Peaks

Pacific Ranges

Cascade Range

Last Updated: December 31, 2025

Mount Shasta is a prominent peak in the Pacific Ranges mountain range, located in Northern California.

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Summary

Standing at an elevation of 14,179 feet, it is the second highest peak in the Cascades and an iconic landmark in the region. With a base diameter of approximately 17 miles, Mount Shasta is a massive stratovolcano characterized by its symmetrical cone shape and multiple glaciers, including the Whitney Glacier, which is the longest in California.

During the winter season, Mount Shasta receives heavy snowfall, transforming it into a winter wonderland for mountaineering enthusiasts. The snowpack range varies each year, with an average accumulation of 300-500 inches (7.6-12.7 meters) on the higher slopes. This abundant snowpack provides excellent opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Several creeks and rivers are nourished by the mountain's runoff, including the McCloud River, the Sacramento River, and the Shasta River. These water sources not only contribute to the region's biodiversity but also offer various recreational activities such as fishing and whitewater rafting.

The name "Shasta" has its roots in Native American legend and history. The Wintu people, who have inhabited the area for thousands of years, referred to the mountain as "Uytaahkoo" or "White Mountain." European settlers later named it "Shasta" after the Shasta people, a Native American tribe in the region. Mount Shasta has also gained mythical and spiritual significance over time, believed by some to be a sacred place or a gateway to other dimensions. Its allure has attracted numerous spiritual seekers, giving rise to tales of hidden cities, UFO sightings, and mystical experiences.

Overall, Mount Shasta offers a combination of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and intriguing legends, making it a popular destination for mountaineers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those seeking a transcendent experience.

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Winter Storm Watch
Until 2026-01-01T07:00:00-08:00 • National Weather Service
* WHAT...Heavy snow possible above 5000 Feet. Total snow accumulations between 1 and 3 feet possible. South winds could gust as high as 60 mph over high and exposed terrain. * WHERE...North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County, South Central Siskiyou County, and Western Siskiyou County at elevations above 5000 feet. Snow levels around 6000 feet on Friday evening will fall to around 5000 feet by Sunday. This includes the following passes or notable locations... Etna Summit on Sawyers Bar Rd at 5950 ft. Mt. Shasta ski park highway at 5462 ft. Bunny Flat on Everitt Memorial highway at 6900 ft. Grass Lake at Mt. Hebron at 5291 ft. * WHEN...From Friday evening through Sunday evening. * IMPACTS...Travel may be very difficult to impossible. Very strong winds could cause extensive tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be lowest on Sunday evening, with an accumulating snow likely on Snowman Summit. Additional snow is possible early next week with little change in the snow level.