Boletín de aludes

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Peligro de aludes

Wed
Alta montaña
1 · Débil
Límite del bosque
1 · Débil
Bajo el límite
1 · Débil
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Desactualizado: este boletín caducó 5 years ago. Estás viendo condiciones pasadas, no el boletín vigente.

Lo esencial

LOW avalanche hazard exists at all elevations this morning.  The avalanche hazard may rise to MODERATE near and above treeline by this evening as new snow and strong winds create reactive wind slabs on leeward terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern and be ready for increasing hazards as the day progresses.

Problemas de aludes

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta montaña
    • Límite del bosque
    • Bajo el límite del bosque
    Probabilidad
    Possible
    Tamaño
    1–1.5

    Rising Hazzard today will be largely driven by new snow. If today’s storm underproduces, reactive wind slabs may remain thin and limited to isolated areas on leeward terrain features. On the flip side, if we hit the high-end of the forecasted snow totals, we can expect wind slabs to be larger, and more specific in distribution. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments and monitor snow totals closely. Further complicating this discussion will be our shifting winds. At the time of publishing, winds are blowing out of the southwest, however, they are expected to shift to the north by mid-morning and continue at moderate to strong speeds. It is likely that this shift will occur before we see substantial snowfall, nevertheless, it remains prudent to monitor for signs of recent wind loading on all aspects.

    Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

Avalanche Discussion

While snow totals today may not be substantial, this will mark the first snowfall since December 26th. That is just over 7 weeks. In the time since we have seen surface conditions undergo a lot of change. Waning coverage has limited travel options and brought preseason obstacles to the surface. At the same time, faceting surfaces have provided decent skiing in many areas throughout our extended dry spell.  It will be critical to keep these old surface conditions in mind as we look to the future. Hard and slick slopes will make good bed surfaces, near-surface facets and areas of buried surface hoar will make reactive weak layers, and new snow will almost certainly mask obstacles that have recently made an appearance on the surface. If and when these surfaces are buried by new snow it will be time to shift our mindset accordingly.

In the meantime, our variable and challenging surface conditions should also remain top of mind for the backcountry enthusiast. A variety of surface crusts and hard and slick surfaces are commonplace throughout the forecast area, particularly in exposed areas near and above treeline. Be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, tight rocky chokes, and stands of trees. Even an otherwise innocuous fall could easily lead to a perilous “slide for life” situation. Slow it down and remain vigilant if you find yourself in steep or consequential terrain. Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be critical even at lower elevations or in protected areas you may not typically expect to need them.

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