This is the final advisory for the 2011-2012 season. This winter will be remembered by local avalanche professionals for a shallow weak snowpack with reactive, persistent weak layers typically associated with Rocky Mountain and Wasatch snowpacks. Other folks hope to forget the winter- it was tough on local businesses, and winter recreation. The dry winter will have far reaching effects on local water supply, creeks, springs and water tables.

Keeping the winter in perspective, many found good powder skiing in the Mammoth and June Mountain areas. After the heatwave, spring skiing and riding conditions are very good. Approaches can be long and hiking is part of the equation for getting to good snow.

The season ends on a tragic note. Boris Avdeev, a Russian graduate student, died in the Coke Chute area on Apr 19 2012. Since two weeks elapsed since the accident, it is difficult to piece together the details of what happened. According to Mono County Search and Rescue, the victim died from severe trauma from either a fall or an avalanche that took him into rocks causing the trauma. Skis and a single ski pole were found in the upper section of Coke Chute. The victim’s helmet was found at around 10,500 ft on the north side of the broad lower apron. The victim was found on the south side of the broad lower apron at approximately 10,500 ft.

The mountains here offer endless opportunities for skiing and riding in steep terrain. But please do not forget that once something goes wrong, things fall apart in a big way and you can’t go back.