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 78% 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 high clouds and gusty N winds in town this morning. It is currently 24F in Mt. Shasta City, 32F in Dunsmuir and 19F in McCloud Valley. Mt. Shasta - We are measuring 93 inches of snow on the ground at 7600 ft. with 2 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours and 1 inch of settlement in the snow pack. Temperatures have ranged between 12F to 24F at 7600 ft. and it is currently 12F. Winds this morning are estimated at 10 mph below tree line from the NNW. At 8000 ft. winds have been steady from the SW and W, averaging 20 mph and gusting to 49 mph from the W. Winds are currently 14-21 mph from the W. On the upper mountain winds are estimated at 65-70 mph from the WNW this morning. Castle/Mt. Eddy - Mt. Eddy received 1-2 inches of new snow and 1 inch of settlement in the last 24 hours. We are measuring 81 inches on the ground at 6800 ft. The temperature on Mt. Eddy this morning is 10F. At Castle Lake we are measuring 96 inches of snow on the ground with 2-3 inches of new snow over the last 24 hours and 3 inches of settlement. Temperatures at Castle Lake have been between 13-38F over the last 24 hours and currently it is 13F. Measurements in the atmosphere this morning show temperatures 7 degrees cooler in the lower atmosphere compared to yesterday morning. Weather Forecast: Cool air behind the front will be with us this weekend with partly cloudy skies. More moisture off the coast will bring light precipitation to the Sierra and north in Oregon, but keep us dry. On Monday we will see temperatures warm followed with some uncertainty about storms Tuesday night through Friday. For today below tree line temperatures will warm to the upper 20's to low 30's with winds 10 mph from the N and NE. At and above tree line temperatures will warm to the upper teens to low 20's with winds at 10-20 mph from the NW. On the upper mountain, winds will begin around 60 mph and decrease to 30-40 mph from the W and NW with a wind chill around -29F. Snow Pack: Yesterday afternoon we had some velvet with an inch of powder on top of a very firm and stable snow pack from 6-8000 ft. In a snow pit on a wind loaded SE aspect at 7500 ft. I found a 6 inch wind slab which took some force to release (Rutschblock score of R6/Q3). The bulk of the snow pack underneath our recent dusting of new snow is very firm and strong and was difficult to dig through. Our only concerns today will be with small wind slabs on E and S aspects created by W and NW winds near and above tree line. With sunshine today and light winds, good velvet conditions will be found in areas not affected by wind. We should have a fast race course today for the Flying Squirrel Classic tele and rando fun race at the Mt. Shasta Ski Park. 2mm Rimed stellar snowflake 3/28/08 2mm rimed needle snowflakes falling 3/28/08 at Mt. Shasta. 2mm rimed stellar and needle snow flakes which fell on 3/28/08 forming the "velvet" 1-2 inch snow surface. 1-2 mm melt-freeze grains from 3/28/08 Mt. Shasta snow pack. 1+mm melt/freeze grains which form the bulk of the firm and stable Mt. Shasta snowpack on 3/28/08. 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 3/28 Pilgrim Creek to Deer Mnt. was groomed 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. 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!