Avalanche Advisory for 2013-03-09 06:57:48

We can expect a warming trend through the weekend and into next week. Highs reaching the mid 50's on Sunday through Tuesday then we should  get some clouds mid-week and a chance of precip on friday. The light winds we've been experiencing will increase some today and tomorrow coming from the North initially and switching to the Northeast by tonight.

WEATHER STATIONS - (last 24 hours):
In Mt. Shasta City at 0500, we have clear skies and a current temperature of 31 F.
On Mt. Shasta:  In the Old Ski Bowl (7,600') on the south side of Mt. Shasta, we have a current temperature of 20 F. Snow on the ground totals 115 inches with 1 inch of settlement. Temperatures have ranged from 16 F to 32F.  At Grey Butte (8,000') on the south side of Mt. Shasta winds averaged 11 mph from the ENE with a max gust of 35 mph from the E. The current temperature is 23 F and temps have ranged 18 F to 28 F.
Castle/Mt. Eddy:   Castle Lake - Castle Lake is hosting a current temp of 24 F. In the last 24 hours temperatures have ranged from 22 F to 42 F. Snow depth measures 55" inches with 2 inches of settlement.  On Mt Eddy, we have 73 inches of snow on the ground. The current temperature reads 25 F with temps ranging from 19 F to 32 F. Winds have been averaging 2 mph from the SW and gusting to 11 mph from the Southeast.

THIS SEASON:  September and October were warm and dry with September recording exactly zero precipitation. November remained warmer than normal with precipitation almost double normal values, 9.16" vs. 5.08". A local weather COOP observed the 2nd wettest November on record. December started out wet and warm, but temperatures cooled and brought snow to very low elevations. Since our avalanche cycle near Christmas, we've had a few small storms that brought some amounts of snow to the area, but did not produced any notable avalanches. January was below normal for precipitation with a long period of high pressure and sun that kept skiing conditions somewhat meager. We've had a few storms in the past few weeks that have brought a pittance of wintery weather, but nothing to write home about!  The area has been under siege by high pressure overall and giving us blue bird days for the most part. California and the Sierra Nevada have recorded the driest January and February on record. We currently have 6-10 feet of snow above 6,500 ft. Since September 1st, Mt Shasta sits at 76% of normal, 24.37" recorded; normal 32.13". For 2013, we sit at 23% of normal with 3.67" recorded and 16.25" normal. Since Tuesday our pre-settlement storm totals are: Old Ski Bowl 24 inches, Castle Lake 19 inches, and 17 inches at Mount Eddy.

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 back country and should travel accordingly. This advisory expires on midnight of the date it was posted unless otherwise noted.