Eastern Sierra - Sat May 8 2010
Eastern Sierra avalanche advisory |
| No danger ratings are being issued. Snowpack conditions are variable and can change daily due to incoming stormy weather. Read the snowpack and avalanche discussion for more information. |
Wet snow avalanche activity calmed down towards the end of the week with the seasonal to slightly below normal temperatures and persistent winds keeping the snow surface bulletproof on ridgetops and on some north and east aspects. Colder temperatures and winds have locked up the snowpack on solar aspects, and the risk of wet slides for the next two days will be minimal in higher terrain. There might be some wind transport and with winds coming from the west and southwest and fresh drifts will be easy to spot by color and texture compared to the old snow.
Reports from Tioga Pass, South Lake, upper Rock Creek and observations on the Mammoth Crest over the week show dry winter snow can still be found in some high steep sheltered terrain. Firm and variable snow conditions were reported from the higher terrain around Mt Gibbs area- after negotiating hard snow off the ridge, roller balls and soft conditions completed the variety pack of conditions.
The eastern Sierra is under westerly flow due to general troughing along the west coast of Canada and a subtropical ridge south of Hawaii. Winds will increase by the afternoon storm moving towards the west Coast.
By Sunday, temperature fall as this storm moves over the northern part of the state and snow showers are possible over the higher terrain. By Monday, another stronger and colder storm from the Gulf of Alaska dives south and brings a better chance of snow to the area.
Under sunny skies, today’s highs will reach the low 40’s at the 8,000 to 9,000 ft elevations. Higher terrain will be cool with highs reaching the mid 30’s with winds gusting 30-40 over the ridgetops. Sunday will be a different story as clouds from the first of two storms moves into the area, Temperatures fall about 10 degrees on Sunday and there is a 50% chance of snow. Monday will be cold, windy with a chance of snow.
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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