By Keith Potts The Details: This Season: Our season started late and has had higher winds than normal above tree line. Our precipitation is around 81% of normal since September 1. January brought several heavy and cold snow storms with mostly dry and warm weather during the first half of February and one strong storm near the end of February. Snow pack at lower elevations is above normal, near normal at tree line, and below normal above tree line due to wind scouring. February snow surveys locally show our snow pack below tree line at around 107% of normal and water content 96% of normal. We are in a moderate "La Nina" climate condition which often means wetter than normal winters in our area. However, expectations for precipitation in the spring of 2008 are uncertain, with equal chances of above or below normal. Weather Observations: We have clear skies and calm winds once again in town this morning with temperatures at most locations 3 to 5 degrees F. warmer than yesterday at this time. It is currently 31F in Mt. Shasta City, 35F in Dunsmuir and 24F in McCloud Valley. On Mt. Shasta - We are measuring approx. 94 inches of snow on the ground at 7600 ft. with no new snow over the last 24 hours. At Sand Flat temperatures ranged between 20F to 54F at 6750ft. and is currently 30F. Winds this morning are calm below tree line with SW gusts 10 to 20mph above tree line. Castle/Mt. Eddy - Mt. Eddy received no new snow with about a half inch of settlement in the last 24 hours. We are measuring 83 inches on the ground at 6800 ft. The temperature at 7150ft. on Mt. Eddy this morning is 38F. Castle Lake reached into the mid 50'sF yesterday and is currently estimated at 30F. We are measuring 100 inches of snow on the ground with no new snow over the last 24 hours and little settlement. Measurements in the atmosphere this morning show temperatures another 3 to 5 degrees F warmer than yesterday morning at this time for all elevations. Weather Forecast: It looks like most of the clouds and moisture will remain to the north of us today as a Gulf of Alaska low spins off more snow and rain for Washington and Oregon. As the system drifts south we will see increasing clouds and a very slight chance for precipitation tonight and Monday morning. Snow levels will be high- about 7000ft, but again, little or no moisture is expected. Today we will have mostly sunny skies with highs into the upper 50's to low 60's below tree line and light variable winds. At and above tree line temperatures will warm to the low to mid 40's with winds 10 to 20mph from the SW. On the upper mountain look for WSW winds 20 to 30mph increasing to 40 to 50mph from the west by tomorrow. 72 hour trend: Washington and Oregon don't get all the fun. The next system heading our way should be colder, wetter and more favorable for our area. Look for increasing clouds Tuesday ahead of new snow above 4000ft on Wednesday. Snow Pack: Excellent early spring conditions once again yesterday as warming afternoon temps spread the butter on a solid base. Follow the sun for the best aspects since freezing nighttime temperatures leave shady areas firm in the morning and watch out for rocks at higher elevations as high winds this season have scoured off much of our upper mountain snow. Our only concern is the possibility of lingering small and thin wind slabs above tree line on SE, E and NE aspects. These areas will continue to stabilize today, but human or machine triggered slabs are still possible so remain cautious on recently wind loaded aspects above 35 degrees.. Elsewhere the snow pack shows good stability with no failures reported on recent stability tests. Some wet sluffs may be possible on steeper slopes at lower elevations today when warming temperatures, sunshine and light winds. 72 hour trend: With new snow expected later this week, look for the avalanche danger to rise as the snow pack stability decreases. 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! Please report weather and snow observations: (530)926-9614 Thanks! Pilgrim Creek Snowmobile Park: On Tuesday (3/18) Stephens Pass was groomed and on 3/20, Trout Creek and Ash Creek were groomed. Today, 3/21, Deer Mnt. and Kramer Springs will be groomed. The Five Red Flags of Avalanche Danger any time of year include: 1) Recent/current avalanche activity 2) Whumpfing sounds or shooting cracks 3) Recent/current heavy snowfall 4) Strong winds transporting snow 5) Rapid warming or rain on snow. Road info: Castle Lake road and the Everitt Mem. Hwy. are open. Up-Coming Events: Saturday, March 29: The Flying Squirrel Classic (see poster on home page), a fun race put on by The Fifth Season as a benefit event for Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center. The race is at 11 am and you can pre-register at the Fifth Season or sign-up on race day at the Ski Park at 10-10:30am. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume, fastest times for men and women and telemark and randonee. Join us for fun! Beacon Basin, a transceiver training area, is set up at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Check with Ski Patrol to use this training area; quiet weekdays are best. Thanks to the Mt. Shasta Ski Park & Ski Patrol, Backcountry Access, Friends of the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center and the Forest Service for great Beacon Basin days this season at the Ski Park! Ski Patrol training with an avalanche beacon at the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin, 3/8/08 Ski Patrol training with an avalanche beacon at the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin, 3/8/08. Pro Ski Patrol, Jenn Carr, trains with her avalanche transceiver at the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin, March 8, 2008. Photo of the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Photo of Pro Patroller training with an avalanche beacon at the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin, Mt. Shasta Ski Park. Come train at the Mt. Shasta Beacon Basin!