Trip: Mt Shasta - Casaval Ridge Trip Date: 05/04/2022 Trip Report:
Seeing a break in the weather around the Mt Shasta area I decided I would make a move on Casaval Ridge.
This route has been on my list for a while and now seemed like a great time for it.
I left Bunny Flat trailhead around noon Tuesday.
I could see high winds and spindrift off the top (very cool)
High winds made for slow going. I had seen most parties who do this route bivy around 10,500 but I had more time before I wanted to sleep and I saw a higher notch that looked more protected. The temps were going to be higher than wanted both days so I did not want any overhead hazards while sleeping in the heat of the day.
I found a notch in the ridge just above 11,000ft.
Beautiful evening and views on the ridge.
Seeing some wind textured snow higher on the route and a few inches of wind loading near ridgeline lower on the route I was sure I didn't want to be anywhere near those when the sun heated them up.
Moving by 2 am I found a faint boot pack that lead me through the lower gap and to the base of the catwalk.
The catwalk was in great shape, I found some bare ice higher on route that made for super fun climbing.
topped out Casaval Ridge around 5 am right as the sun came up.
Misery hill made less miserable by a great sunrise!
Made it up Misery Hill and across the plateau to the summit pinnacle making it on top around 6:30.
Couldn't really ask for better conditions and had such a fun time!!
The ski down avy gulch was icy and slow but I'm sure when it gets sun it's a classic haha.
Back to the trailhead by 9 am and back home to Washington before dinner.
Thanks for reading!! a great start to spring and hopefully more to come!
Gear Notes: Nothin special,
skis to make the decent a little more interesting Approach Notes: followed the first chute to the west of the ridge