Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 2 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Unstable wind deposits may exist around the compass rose today. Intense March sunshine in the morning and possible storms this afternoon will lead to variable, changing conditions throughout the day. Sticking to low angle terrain without overhead hazard is the best way to minimize your exposure. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Dry

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Multiple loose dry avalanches occured yesterday, both natural and human triggered. Many areas received small amounts of new snow overnight, and many areas will still hold light, unconsolidated snow throughout today. Loose dry avalanches can entrain large amounts of snow, run for long distances, and knock you off your feet. Even small loose dry avalanches can have large consequences in extreme terrain. Look for sluffing, signs of recent dry loose avalanche activity, and snow slipping out from beneath your feet to alert you to this problem. Direct sunlight may act as a natural trigger in the morning hours today. At lower elevations, these dry loose slides may be wetter, as temperatures will be warmer, approaching above freezing. Limit exposure to long steep snow slopes overhead, and be careful to avoid starting loose snow avalanches above other members of your group, or other parties below. 

    (3/24/2024)

    Multiple loose dry avalanches observed in these high alpine NE start zones, 11000K. OBS 03/24. One natural observed 12:30 pm. 

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    Wind loading from various directions has been continuous in the last 48 hours. Unstable wind slabs may linger around the compass rose today in near and above treeline terrain. New wind slabs may develop as winds increase in the late morning and afternoon hours. Look for blowing snow and  cornice formation as signs of active wind loading. Look and feel for textured, stiff, hollow snow and cracking as indicators to this problem. Be suspect of slopes below ridge lines, catchment zones, gullies, chutes, bowls and depressions susceptible to cross-loading. Consider that direct sunlight at this time of year can act as a natural trigger. Make localized assessments throughout the day, and opt for lower angle slopes with no overhead hazard if in doubt. 

    (3/24/2024)

    Active wind loading from NW winds, 1 pm, 11000'. 

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

Avalanche Discussion

Multiple natural and human triggered D1 - D2 loose dry avalanches occurred yesterday within the new storm snow. A large wind slab avalanche was reported as well. 2 skiers triggered an avalanche and were caught, carried and partially buried. 

Spring storms in the Sierra can be difficult to navigate. Weather and conditions can vary drastically across the region, and can change very quickly.

We received up to a foot of new snow in the last 72 hours, coupled with small and sporadic snowstorms in the last 24 hours, and fluctuating winds. Some areas saw sunlight yesterday, and some will see sunlight post storm for the first time today. Temperatures remained cold at higher elevations yesterday, and are expected to stay below freezing today, while lower elevation slopes will see temperatures rise above freezing. Ultimately, the take away is that weather has been variable, even from one ridgline to the next, and thus snowpack conditions will be variable as well. Regarding potential avalanche activity, continuous localized assessments of conditions and terrain are absolutely essential today.

Intense March sunlight can impact surface snow quickly, and can act as an instigator to any underlying instabilities that may already exist. It can also begin to transition the upper snowpack quickly, sometimes stabilizing it, and sometimes producing further instabilities. We are expecting cold temperatures at higher elevations and incoming weather later this afternoon, which may help keep the effects of March sun at bay. Be especially mindful of south and east slopes in the calm morning hours. 

 

 

Abgedeckte Regionen