Avalanche Advisory: Friday - Feb 7, 2020

THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 8, 2020 @ 6:22 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 7, 2020 @ 6:22 am

Issued by Steve Mace - ESAC

Bottom Line

How to read the advisory

LOW avalanche danger persists at all elevations today. Generally safe avalanche conditions exist. Be on the lookout for isolated areas of unstable snow particularly in complex or extreme terrain.

1. Low

Above Treeline

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

Near Treeline

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

Below Treeline

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

Type ?

advisory discussion

The last few weeks have brought strong winds, warm temperatures, and very little new snow. This seeming endless high-pressure has led to a dwindling snowpack, and smooth, continuous panels of snow are becoming increasingly hard to find. Some solar aspects that still hold snow are nearly isothermal and resembling something more typical to late spring. Conversely, many shaded aspects are equally thin but still harboring lose dry faceted snow. While our recent weather patterns have been less than ideal for ski quality, they have led to pretty benign avalanche conditions. Isolated instabilities may exist throughout the range, but the most significant hazards remain the thin coverage and variable surface conditions. There is undoubtedly still fun to be had out there if you are willing to put in the work. Research current access and bring the proper equipment. Approach shoes, an ice ax, and boot or ski crampons may be necessary tools depending on your objective. Don’t let the current low tide conditions lull you into a place of complacency. Even in times like this, it remains important to practice safe travel techniques and approach objectives with any eye for isolated instabilities.

recent observations

Submit Snowpack Observations

Submit Avalanche Observations

02/06- Mammoth area- Snow conditions in the Mammoth Pass area

02/06- Virginia Lakes- Solar warming and soft skiing

02/06- McGee creek- Variable surface conditions on the SE side of Mt Aggie

02/05- Mammoth area- Warm moist snow in the Sherwins

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS

weather summary

Our high pressure continues today with clear skies and light westerly winds. temperatures are expected to be well above freezing today with highs in the mid to upper 30°s at upper elevations.

A low-pressure system to move into the area this weekend bringing gusty winds and a slight chance of snow flurries. While extreme winds are all too familiar here on the east side, models are suggesting “unusually strong” northerly winds on Sunday. Ridgetop gusts are likely to be well above 100 mph and very strong mid-slope winds may result in damage to trees or powerlines in the area.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS

For 8,000 ft. to 10,000 ft.

	Friday	Friday Night	Saturday
Weather:	Sunny.	Clear.	Sunny.
Temperatures:	38 to 48. deg. F.	22 to 28. deg. F.	41 to 51. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds:	West around 15 mph in the morning becoming light. Gusts up to 25 mph.	Light winds becoming southwest around 15 mph with gusts to 40 mph after midnight.	Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph increasing to 60 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall:	0 in.	0 in.	0 in.

Over 10,000 ft.

	Friday	Friday Night	Saturday
Weather:	Sunny.	Clear.	Sunny.
Temperatures:	29 to 39. deg. F.	18 to 23. deg. F.	33 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds:	Northwest around 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.	Southwest 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph increasing to 40 mph after midnight.	Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph increasing to 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall:	0 in.	0 in.	0 in.

Disclaimer

This Avalanche Advisory is designed to generally describe avalanche conditions where local variations always occur. This product only applies to backcountry areas located outside established ski area boundaries. The information in this Avalanche Advisory is provided by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, who is solely responsible for its content.