One of the pleasures of living near Mount Shasta is the opportunity to observe the lenticular clouds that often form around the mountain. Mount Shasta is so massive, high and solitary it disrupts the air currents that flow around it and frequently develops large, oddly shaped clouds. Sometimes they appear on or above the mountain while other times they orbit nearby the great volcano. These formations form near other prominent mountains but Mount Shasta is particularly noted for the frequency and size with which they appear. The clouds enhance what is an already amazing spectacle by adding unusual forms to the mountain’s appearance. Any time one is fortunate enough to capture the mountain with a lenticular, it is an exciting opportunity. Conversely, any time a one develops and circumstances prevent going to a good point to observe the mountain and its clouds it is supremely frustrating.

The following is a gallery of some of the more interesting lenticular clouds I have encountered around Mount Shasta.

Click to enlarge: