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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Public Observation

Observation Details

Observation Date:
March 27, 2023
Submitted:
March 28, 2023
Zone or Region:
June Lake
Activity:
Skiing/Snowboarding
Location:
Hemlock Mtn/ Yost Lake and Ghost Trees

Observations

Left from June Mtn Resort. Toured below hemlock ridge, up through Ghost Trees. Descended through Ghost Trees back towards Yost Lake. Returned via Yost Creek Trailhead.

Triggered Avalanches

Did you trigger any avalanches? 
Yes
Was it intentional? 
Yes
Avalanche Type:
Hard Slab
Size:
Size 1: Relatively harmless to people
Elevation:
Tree line
Aspect:
E
Comments:
Found a reactive wind slab at the entrance of a drainage above Yost Lake.. While traversing/ ski cutting the top of the drainage prior to descent a wind slab (approx 10x5’ ) broke under the ski cut and propagated. Wind slab debris involved ran along the surface of the terrain. No one was involved or injured. Continuing on the traverse/ cut there was no reactivity on the SE aspect of the same drainage.

Signs of Unstable Snow

None reported

Media

Drainage above Yost Lake prior to descent (previous tracks can be seen)
Drainage above Yost Lake following descent (wind slab debris can be seen)
Example of isolated pockets of wind slab found throughout the region
Example of effect found in isolated pockets on N/ NW aspects

Advanced Observations

Observed Avalanche Problem #1: 
Wind Slab
Comments: 
Isolated wind slabs found throughout the region. Inconsistent in location/ reactivity. Found primarily At or above tree line . Approx 5-7cm thick ( see photo)
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