I claimbed Avalanche Gulch 2 years ago in July. It was not terribly difficult. Helen Lake was a nice place to camp and made for a shorter summit trip than from Horse Camp. The wind can be pretty fierce on Misery Hill. Climbing Mount Shasta by Steve Lewis is a good book if Avalanche Gulch is the route you prefer. Try going to http://www.shastahome.com/climbers-guide/mountshasta.htm and click on conditions at the top of the page for the latest climbing conditions. Have a good climb.
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