The avalanche danger is MODERATE in steep, wind-loaded upper elevation terrain. Expect variably sensitive, new 8-12" deep wind slabs near ridgelines on north facing aspects. The avalanche danger rating is LOW on slopes in tree covered terrain. Expect the avalanche danger rating to increase tomorrow as another 12-15 inches of new snow is expected to accumulate from tomorrow night through Tuesday.
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Above Treeline
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Near Treeline
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Below Treeline
The peak of instability yesterday occurred during the early to mid morning hours. Windslabs will be more stubborn to triggering today, though it is possible to trigger a wind slab in steep north facing terrain in alpine areas. Expect instability to increase this evening when the next storm reaches the area and drops another 12" or more of snow along with moderate southwest winds in the 40-50 mph range. This time of the year, you should expect conditions to change with subtle differences in aspect and elevation - don't assume different slopes are going to behave similarly.
Weak faceted snow that formed in December and January remains a concern above 10,000 ft in the Rock Creek area. Recent wind and 10-12" of new snow may have loaded some individual slopes enough that you could trigger a 2-4' deep avalanche if you hit the "sweet spot". You're most likely to find one of these weak spots on steep, upper north facing slopes near rocky ribs and below rocky ridgelines.
There was a natural avalanche cycle in the Negatives that occurred during the early morning hours yesterday. Wind transport made it hard to see old crown lines.
Strong sun created stop and go conditions at the mid elevations except on shaded slopes. There were no natural avalanches reported in the Mammoth Lakes Basin.
Snow is likely by mid day. Skies will be mostly cloudy, with a high near 25-30. Winds will be breezy, out of the southwest, blowing at 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. There is a 60% chance of snow up to 3 inches today.
Tonight is the main storm event with 5 to 9 inches of snow possible above 9,000 ft. Tuesday will be snowy in the morning and partly cloudy by the afternoon. More snow is expected to fall Tuesday night.
| 0600 temperature: | 16 deg. F. |
| Max. temperature in the last 24 hours: | 28 deg. F. |
| Average wind direction during the last 24 hours: | WSW |
| Average wind speed during the last 24 hours: | 35 mph |
| Maximum wind gust in the last 24 hours: | 54 mph |
| New snowfall in the last 24 hours: | trace inches |
| Total snow depth: | 45 inches |
| Monday | Monday Night | Tuesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | snow likely | snow | partly cloudy |
| Temperatures: | 25 deg. F. | 12 deg. F. | 23 deg. F. |
| Mid Slope Winds: | SW | SW | W |
| Expected snowfall: | 1-3 in. | 5-9 in. | 1-3 in. |
| Monday | Monday Night | Tuesday | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weather: | snow | snow | partly sunny |
| Temperatures: | 26 deg. F. | 10 deg. F. | 24 deg. F. |
| Ridge Top Winds: | SW | SW | W |
| Expected snowfall: | 1-3 in. | 5-9 in. | 1-3 in. |
