Boletín de aludes

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
2 · Moderado
Límite del bosque
2 · Moderado
Bajo el límite
2 · Moderado
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 2 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

Wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity will be possible to find in leeward catchment zones at all elevations and in atypical areas such as sheltered terrain below treeline. Localized assessments will be important to help you identify and avoid features of concern.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–2

    Recent field observations have highlighted widespread wind impacts from our extreme wind event over the weekend. Winds decreased to strong speeds over the last 24 hrs, and despite the notable lack of loose surface snow, some productive loading was observed yesterday near and above treeline. Wind deposits will range in size, sensitivity, and distribution today. Newer wind deposits will be smaller, present in more typical catchment zones, and more sensitive to human triggers. Wind slabs produced during the extreme wind event have been observed as hard slabs and are more stubborn. These are most likely found in mid-slope depressions further down from ridgelines than you may typically expect and in catchment zones near treeline. Keep in mind that hard wind slabs may feel strong under a rider's weight but they can fail suddenly and unexpectedly, they can initiate above you, accelerate quickly, and travel long distances down slope. In either case, clues like textured snow surfaces, large fresh drifts, and hollow upside-down feeling snow can alert you to where this problem exists.

    (3/4/2024) Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Last weekend's storm, particularly the winds, did some damage to the snowpack throughout the forecast area.  Despite heavy snowfall throughout the region and over 6" of water content recorded in the Mammoth area, we lost more snow coverage in most areas than we gained. Many exposed slopes have been stripped back to the ground, and even sheltered areas were heavily affected. Variable surface conditions now dominate the landscape. Be ready for a variety of new and exciting surfaces depending on where you decide to travel.  In open and exposed areas, breakable or supportive wind boards, large sastrugi, melt-freeze crusts, and uneven textured surfaces dominate, while in more sheltered areas, some loose surface snow may be thrown into the mix.

Significant avalanche activity occurred during last weekends storm including several avalanches that may have failed on basal facets. It is not surprising that a major loading event brought these persistent slab concerns back to the forefront. However, as we move into a period of more quiet weather, we expect an avalanche failing near the ground has become increasingly unlikely. Future storm events may be enough to impact this weak layer, but for now, persistent slab concerns have been removed from the problem list.

 

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