Avalanche Advisory for 2013-03-23 06:18:07

Northwest flow continues today which will host more wind for the first half of the day. We should see winds die down in the afternoon, though likely still windy on the upper mountain, above 12,000 feet. The Medford sounding is already showing warmer temperatures this morning and a general warming trend is in effect through the end of the weekend. Nothing extremely notable for this weekend other that a couple beautiful days.
Next week near Tuesday afternoon will host a change in the weather pattern which appears more like "spring showers" than a "winter storm". Snow levels should be 5,000 to 6,000 feet with a few tenths of an in of water forecasted.

WEATHER STATIONS - (last 24 hours):
In Mt. Shasta City at 0500, we have clear skies and with and a current temperature of 25 F.
On Mt. Shasta:  In the Old Ski Bowl (7,600') on the south side of Mt. Shasta, we have a current temperature of  21F. Snow on the ground totals 106" inches with no setttlement. Temperatures have ranged from 21F to 35F.  At Grey Butte (8,000') on the south side of Mt. Shasta winds averaged 40-50 mph from the NNW up to 0900 yesterday, then switched to ESE, averaging 5-10 mph and with a max gust of 71 mph over the last 24 hours. The current temperature is 25F and temps have ranged 16F to 30F. While winds decreased on Gray Butte, northwest winds ripped all day long on the upper mountain, visible from town.
Castle/Mt. Eddy:   Castle Lake - Castle Lake is hosting a current temp of 18F. Temperatures have ranged from 17F to 30F. Snow depth measures 43" inches with little settlement.  On Mt Eddy, we have 60" inches of snow on the ground with little settlement. The current temperature reads 26F with temps ranging from 13F to 28F. Winds have been averaging 3 mph from the SE and gusting to 19 mph - SE.

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 for 2013 that have brought us glimpses of wintery weather, but nothing to write home about!   California and the Sierra Nevada have recorded the driest January and February on record. We currently have 5'-8.5' feet of snow above 6,500 ft. Since September 1st, Mt Shasta sits at 70% of normal, 24.60" recorded; normal 34.87". For 2013, we sit at 20% of normal with 3.90" recorded and 18.99" normal.

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.