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 79% 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 with widespread avalanche activity. 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 in town this morning. It is currently 26F in Mt. Shasta City, 28F in Dunsmuir and a chilly 16F in McCloud Valley. Mt. Shasta - We are measuring 92 inches of snow on the ground at 7600 ft. with a trace of new snow over the last 24 hours and little settlement in the snow pack. Temperatures have ranged between 8F to 24F at 7600 ft. and it is currently 8F. Winds this morning are estimated at 5-10 mph below tree line from the WNW. At 8000 ft. winds have averaged 24 mph from the W with gusts to 56 mph during the last 24 hours. Winds have slowed over the last 5 hours, averaging 8 mph from the E and gusting to 21 mph. On the upper mountain winds are estimated at 85 mph from the WNW this morning. Castle/Mt. Eddy - Mt. Eddy received a trace to 2 inches of new snow and 2 inches of settlement in the last 24 hours. We are measuring 82 inches on the ground at 6800 ft. The temperature on Mt. Eddy this morning is 12F. At Castle Lake we are measuring 97 inches of snow on the ground with 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours and little settlement. Temperatures at Castle Lake have been between 15-36F over the last 24 hours and currently it is 15F. Measurements in the atmosphere this morning show temperatures 5 degrees cooler in the lower atmosphere compared to yesterday morning. Weather Forecast: High pressure today will bring sunny skies with temperatures remaining relatively cool. Part of the jet stream is overhead and that will continue to bring strong winds to the upper mountain today. Expect increasing clouds later today and tonight with another weak storm approaching. On Friday 1-3 inches of snow will fall at mid elevations with the snow level near town (3-4000 ft.). We will have a break over the weekend with a storm approaching central California Tuesday night. For today, temperatures will warm to the mid 30's below tree line, approaching 40F at low elevations, and winds will be fairly light and variable, moving to the SW tonight. At and above tree line, temperatures will warm to the teens to mid 20's today with winds from the WNW at 15-20 mph. By early tomorrow morning, winds will increase to 35-40 mph and move to the W and SW. On the upper mountain today strong winds will continue from the WNW at 65-75 mph, decreasing later today to 50-55 mph from the W. Wind chill temperatures near the summit of -26F can be expected. Snow Pack: Dust to velvet on a firm snow pack can be expected today with small and thin wind slabs forming on E and S aspects, especially at and above 8000 ft. However, when triggered, these small slabs will travel pretty far on the hard snow base. Most of our snow pack right now is strong and fairly uniform, more typical of late spring conditions. With single digit morning temperatures, expect some firm conditions, softening by afternoon at lower elevations, and only on wind protected sunny areas at mid elevations. 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: No grooming has taken place this week. Tomorrow (3/28) we plan to groom from Pilgrim Creek to Deer Mnt. on the 19 road. 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!