Eastside Region

Lawinenprobleme

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  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Likely

  Größe

  1–2

  Expect to find wind slabs ranging insensitivity on northerly and easterly terrain near aspects above treeline today. Winds have already shifted to the north and speeds are expected to be light for most of the day. We may see a slight increase in speeds this afternoon into the moderate range however we do not expect to see significant new slab development. Be on the lookout for fresh slab development on more southerly aspects above treeline if the winds out-perform the forecast.  Surface facets and a variety of hard and slick crust layers from before this last storm may exasperate the avalanche problem making things more sensitive.  Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Blowing snow, recent cornice growth, drifting, stiff hollow feeling upside-down snow, and textured, uneven snow surfaces are all signs of recent wind transport. Use these clues to identify and avoid areas with recent wind deposits. 

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  Loose Dry

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Field reports from yesterday found our recent storm snow to be largely right-side-up and unconsolidated. In addition, multiple natural and human-triggered loose dry avalanche s were reported. While we expect this surface snow to stabilize relatively quickly loose dry avalanches may still be possible today, particularly on steep slopes in sheltered terrain. Convex rollovers and slopes over 35° in steepness are potential problem areas. When in doubt, avoid being on or underneath avalanche terrain and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

• 

  Storm Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1–2

  Field reposts yesterday described conditions more conducive to loose dry activity (right-side up and unconsolidated), however, as this recent storm snow begins to settle and consolidate storm slab avalanches remain possible in sheltered areas at mid and lower elevations. Exasperating this problem is the old snow surface, made up largely of near-surface facets, shallow melt-freeze crusts, slick wind board, or a combination of the three.  Do your own localized assessments as you travel in the backcountry today. Steep, unsupported slopes and convex rollovers are potential problem areas particularly in areas around Mammoth that received more significant snowfall totals.