Eastern Sierra - Mon Apr 12 2010
Eastern Sierra avalanche advisory |
| The avalanche danger rating today is CONSIDERABLE in the Mammoth and June Mountain areas. Human triggered slides are likely this morning on steep wind loaded north facing slopes greater than 30-35 degrees. The avalanche danger rating for the Rock Creek and Bishop Creek areas is MODERATEtoday. Pay attention to steep north facing wind loaded terrain steeper than 35 degrees. |
Heavy snowfall ended around midnight and this morning is cloudy and windy at the higher elevations. Brisk winds continue this morning at the mid elevations and the ridgetops are hammering at 50-70 mph in the Mammoth area. Temperatures are running about 10 degrees colder than yesterday.
The Mammoth area picked up about 18" of new snow above 8500 ft. South of Mammoth, snowfall amounts range from 6-8" of new snow at the 8500 to 11000 ft elevations. These areas received strong south to southwest winds yesterday.
Be sensible today- evaluate new snow stability, choose your travel up and the descent carefully and make conservative decisions by choosing lines in the trees,or slopes 30 degrees or less.
The avalanche danger will decrease on Tuesday as the storm snow stabilizes.
New snow is dense and easy to make into slabs.
The Winter Storm Warning expired last night. Another round of convective showers are forecasted for this afternoon followed by a cold clear night.
Winds will diminish at the mid elevations by late morning as the low moves overhead and to the east. Strong southwest winds will continue to plague the higher terrain for most of the day.
Today will be cool with highs in the upper 20’s for the 8,000 to 9,000 elevations. Higher terrain will be cold with temperatures barely getting out of the teens.
A warming trend begins Tuesday and by Wednesday, temperatures will be close to normal for this time of year. This could be the last winter type storm of the season as the weather pattern changes from unsettled to mild.
Please note that the avalanche danger rating in this advisory expires in 24 hours. This advisory is our best interpretation of snow pack conditions and NWS forecasts issued today. Backcountry travelers should be aware that elevation and geographic distinctions are approximate and that a transition zone exists between upper and lower elevations. Avalanches do not happen by accident and most human involvement is a matter of choice not chance. Most avalanche accidents are caused by slab avalanches that are triggered by the victim of member of the victim's party. Even small slides can be dangerous. Always practice route finding skills and carry avalanche rescue gear. Remember that avalanche danger ratings are only general guidelines. Distinctions between geographic areas, elevations, slope aspects and slope angles should be made.
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