Avalanche Advisory: Tuesday - Feb 4, 2020 | Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution

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100mph SW winds eroded more snow from the high country Sunday with frigid northerly winds steadily blowing Monday further stripping the mountains. Northeasterly winds will continue to rake shady aspects today and possibly cross load sunnier aspects with small deposits of transported snow. The simple fact is there is not much snow left to move and the smidgen of new snow that fell in the northern part of the zone Sunday night got blown off yesterday. Besides variable and challenging conditions, of most concern would be some flowing spindrift or small wind slabs that release and funnel down tight or confined terrain. Keep a heads up if your spending time in terrain features (couloirs, chutes, gullies) that potentially channel small amounts of cascading snow from heights above.

Look for unstable snow conditions on isolated terrain features and identify surface deposits such as ribbons of new snow, pillows adjacent to ridgeline, rock outcroppings and cliff bands and avoid riding over terrain traps.

advisory discussion

If you left or lost a pair of skis in the Sherwins, please email Josh to recover: Josh@esavalanche.org.

Thin and variable snow surface conditions continue to diminish and degrade. Although there is always something to be found that is enjoyable to ski the biggest hazards remain variable and unpleasant surface conditions, rocks, wood and patches of firm winboard. Most objectives present more of an adventure than decent skiing as there has been limited new snow for a long time now. Be careful out there and consider risk vs reward when planning your day.

recent observations

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2/3 – Mammoth Area- Sherwins-Cold temperatures

2/3 – VA Lakes – Cold temperatures

2/3 – VA Lakes – 2” new snow

2/2 – Mammoth Area –Sherwins/Mammoth Rock –snow conditions

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS

weather summary

Temperatures will warm by 10degrees or so today, but still stay relatively cold as clear and windy conditions continue. 13-21F temperatures for the high elevations with 20-28F below 10000ft. Moderate northeasterly winds will blow in the 25-30mph velocity with 55mph gusts. Dry and Sunny conditions with gradual warming to normal temps for the rest of the week.

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

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

	Tuesday	Tuesday Night	Wednesday
Weather:	Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.	Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.	Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures:	20 to 28. deg. F.	8 to 13. deg. F.	34 to 42. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds:	North around 15 mph. Gusts up to 45 mph decreasing to 35 mph in the afternoon.	Light winds.	North around 15 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
Expected snowfall:	0 in.	0 in.	0 in.

Over 10,000 ft.

	Tuesday	Tuesday Night	Wednesday
Weather:	Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.	Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.	Partly cloudy. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 5%.
Temperatures:	13 to 21. deg. F.	4 to 9. deg. F.	27 to 35. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds:	Northeast 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 55 mph.	North 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph.	North 30 to 45 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
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.