Thanks Eddie - no real snow in middle Georgia. We got a couple inches last year and it was gone within a day. We've had the inspector out a few times, as well as a couple builder friends - they are all ok with the design so far - upstairs is only about 400 sq. ft. As it is a cabin that will be used on a limited basis, I think we'll be ok, though my dad and I will discuss the diagonal bracing idea. We'll also be adding a front and back porch which will provide more support.