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 103% 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 light snow fall and calm winds in town this morning, and it is currently 28F in Mt. Shasta and 32F in Dunsmuir. A trace of snow fell in town over the last 24 hours. Mt. Shasta - We are measuring 93 inches of snow on the ground near tree line with 1-2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours and 4 inches of settlement. Temperatures have ranged between 11F to 26F at 7000 ft. and it is currently a 16F. Winds this morning are estimated at 20 mph below tree line from the SSW. Above tree line winds are estimated at 35 mph from the W and on the upper mountain winds are estimated at 50 mph from the WNW. Castle/Mt. Eddy - Mt. Eddy received 1 inch of new snow and 3 inches of settlement in the last 24 hours. We estimate around 7 ft. of snow on the ground. The temperature on Mt. Eddy this morning is 17F. Temperatures near Castle Lake have been between 14F-34F over the last 24 hours and currently are around 16F. Weather Forecast: Another impressive system is just now moving in to State of Jefferson along the coast. It will start with light snow and intensify during the day as the front of the jet stream and strong pressure gradients begin to boost the system. From this afternoon through midnight snow fall will become heavy and winds will pick up, becoming strong at mid and upper elevations. The snow level should stay below town, but a brief period of warmer air this afternoon/evening could bring wet slop to 3000-3500 ft. By tomorrow morning we will see 15-18 inches above town, with some areas receiving 2 feet by Sunday morning. On Sunday, things will quiet down with light snow showers. Another storm will arrive Tuesday night into Wednesday. Temperatures today will warm into the mid 20's at lower elevations and the upper teens at mid elevations. Winds below tree line will be 20-25 mph from the S and SW, while above tree line, winds will be 40-50 mph, increasing to 50-60 mph in the evening from the WSW. Winds on the upper mountain will be 60-70 mph from the W and NW, slowing to 40 mph tomorrow morning with a wind chill temperature today of -26F. Down in the Quincy area, heavy snow fall will occur tonight bringing 1.5-2.5 feet with winds in passes reaching 50-100 mph. Snow Pack: We had reports yesterday of natural avalanches on N and NE aspects near 6000 ft. which most likely occurred on Thursday during the heavy snow fall. We have had several feet of snow over the last week with persisting weak layers lower in the snow causing some deep slab instability. With another dose of heavy snow fall later today and tonight and strong winds transporting snow, it will increase the instability on several different layers in the snow. Watch for some of the obvious clues today like shooting cracks and whumpfing sounds. Consider your routes, choosing slopes less than 30 degrees without steeper terrain above you. Cornices will be sensitive today and should be avoided by traveling on the windward side of ridges. The best conditions today will be below tree line on slopes less than 30 degrees and unaffected by the wind. 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!