By Eric White The Details: This Season: Our season started late and has had higher winds than normal above tree line. Our precipitation is around 100% of normal since September 1. We had heavy snow fall in early January followed by 2 weeks of dry weather with wet weather in the last part of January. We are in a "La Nina" climate condition which often means wetter than normal winters in our area and expectations are for above normal precipitation into the spring of 2008. Weather Observations: We have heavy snow fall and gusty S winds in town this morning, and it is currently 29F in Mt. Shasta and 32F in Dunsmuir. Mt. Shasta - We are measuring 85 inches of snow on the ground near tree line with 3 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours and 6 inches of settlement. Temperatures have ranged between 13F to 27F at 7000 ft. and it is currently a 20F. Winds this morning are estimated at 40 mph below tree line from the SSW. Above tree line winds are estimated at 65 mph from the WSW and on the upper mountain winds are estimated at 80 mph from the W. Castle/Mt. Eddy - Mt. Eddy received 2 inches of new snow and 3 inches of settlement in the last 24 hours. We estimate around 6.5 ft. of snow on the ground. The temperature on Mt. Eddy this morning is 21F. Temperatures near Castle Lake have been between 8F-32F over the last 24 hours and currently are around 24F. Weather Forecast: The storm started rolling in early this morning and radar currently shows moderate to heavy precipitation in northern California. This storm will continue to bring heavy snowfall in the Mt. Shasta area today, slowing down in the afternoon and evening and turning to showers tonight. The snow level will remain around 2500 ft. and then drop down to 500 ft. after midnight. Snow showers will continue Friday and another cold storm arrives on Saturday. Although our current storm is moving in from the west, it has a long plume of moisture and lower elevations winds are favorable for heavy precipitation in the Klamath mountains, the Sacramento river canyon and Mt. Shasta. Strong pressure gradients will keep the winds strong most of the day. We can expect 12-18 inches of snow with some areas receiving more. Temperatures will stay in the low to mid 20's today, decreasing tonight. Winds below tree line will continue from the SSW 25-30 mph with strong gusts. Near tree line winds will continue at 45-55 mph from the W, decreasing tonight to 30-35 mph from the W and WNW. At upper elevations, winds will continue at 70-80 mph all day and move to the NW early tomorrow morning. Snow Pack: With several storms over the last week, the snow pack continues to adjust to its' new load. Failures have been occurring at several different layers in this recent snow, with facets and occasional failures in our old snow showing deep slab instability. Yesterday, Nick and some guides found easy failures in the top foot of snow on a SE aspect, 35 degrees at close to 8000 ft. (Rutschblock R2 failure stepping onto block). With this type of instability, heavy snowfall and high winds today, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we will have a problem. Today would be a good day to travel on low angle terrain (less than 30 degrees) without steeper terrain above. Avoid crossing avalanche pathways, and give cornices plenty of room. Strong winds today will develop large wind slabs and the best travel will be on the windward side of ridges. Expect heavy wind loading today to N and E aspects, moving to E and S aspects tomorrow. Some important thoughts: This advisory does not apply to Ski Areas or Highways and is for the Mt. Shasta, Castle Lake and Mt. Eddy back country. Use this information for guidance only. You may find different conditions in the backcountry and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires at midnight tonight. As always, use safe travel practices: travel with a partner, travel one at a time in suspect areas, go from one island of safety to another, choose safe routes, wear a transceiver, carry a shovel and probe, and know how to use your gear!