Hike Mt. Shasta

A lenticular tries to form above Mount Shasta. It would dissipate moments later. 

Looking at the forecast a few days ago, I knew that the weather systems passing through the area meant there would be a decent chance of a lenticular making an appearance. The spectacle didn’t seem too likely this morning, with hazy skies and uninteresting clouds surrounding the area. However, shortly after noon there seemed to be something trying to take shape to the south of Mount Shasta. At the time I was taking my junior high outdoor education class to the Squaw Valley Creek Trail and wasn’t in a really good position to stop and capture it. As we headed back toward Mount Shasta the cloud had morphed, taking on a strange, avian appearance. The whole formation seemed very unstable.

With the cloud off to the south, I reckoned the best perspective might be to the north. When we arrived at one of my favorite spots the cloud had altered its appearance yet again, this time looking something like a volcanic eruption billowing from the summit of Mount Shasta. I set my camera and began snapping images while my kids played in the bushes, oblivious as usual to the dramatic pyrotechnics playing out on the slopes of Mount Shasta. While watching the show, a small lenticular stack suddenly tried to form over the mountain. As quickly as it formed it collapsed into wispy remnants.

The large billow remained however and continued to capture the shifting light. It was a beautiful display and just the kind of scene I have been waiting for. It has seemed like a long while since I have had a chance to capture anything really memorable. This didn’t quite rise to the level of a really noteworthy lenticular but it was one of those sunsets that will be hard to put out of mind and will remain with me for quite a while. I am grateful to have been a witness.

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