Mt. Shasta had what most would say was a pretty “normal” season. The spring climbing season was very good, in the way of amazing corn skiing and firm, smooth climbing conditions that lasted into June. Climber numbers were average, with a total of about 5,400 summit passes sold, similar to the last three years. As we moved into summer and fall, there was much anticipation of the 2012 spiritual events that were thought to bring “thousands” more visitors to the area. In hindsight, nothing of note occurred, and the slight increase in day visitors that we saw did not affect climbing numbers on Shasta. On average, the Everitt Memorial Highway leading up the south side sees 100,000 visitors annually.

There were no fatalities and a low number of searches and rescues. In Castle Crags, we had zero incidents. We did have two interesting incidents involving SPOT devices (see one above) and the complications that go along with false/ improper activation.

Lastly, I would like to humbly add that while our formal public-assist numbers show only one case, all rangers attest to countless non-formal assists throughout the summer that are not recorded. These can include assisting climbers with very minor injuries and ailments, glissade and descent techniques, ice axe and crampon use, Leave No Trace and wilderness ethics, route finding, gear failure or lack of adequate equipment, winter camping skills, sanitation management, trash, and weather. (Source: Nick Meyers, Lead Climbing Ranger and Avalanche Specialist.)