Eastside Region

LOWAvalanche Danger exists at all elevations.  Remain vigilant for isolated persistent slab concerns on Northerly-Easterly aspects at all elevations in complex terrain.  Danger could rise to MODERATE levels Thursday evening/night on N-E aspects with potential new snow (~5-11”) and increasing SW winds.

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We should continue to be cognizant of persistent slab issues on northerly-easterly terrain at all elevations on steep slopes and unsupported areas within complex and rocky terrain. These locations present the greatest potential to trigger an isolated persistent slab.  Of even greater hazard lately has been the downright variable surface condition with lots of breakable crust, firm wind board, and in the lower elevations, a snowpack that has been getting cooked during the day with minimal re-freeze overnight. Quite warm temperatures (~40degF) below 9000ft combined with intense solar radiation, and some green-house conditions with cloud coverage the past 3 days has really started to heat things up  within tree'd terrain  and shallow zones. Although it hasn’t quite reached the point of loose wet avalanche concern, trap-door skiing and punchy conditions are another challenging condition to look out for particularly in lower elevations. The incoming storm system should cool things down a bit and hopefully provide some better surface conditions.

 

RECENT OBSERVATIONS:

2/10 – Convict – Mono Jim Peak – Variable snow conditions

2/10 – Lee Vining – Dana Plateau area – variable snow conditions

2/10 – June Lk Area – Hemlock/Devils slide – moist snow at low elev.

2/10 – McGee –McGee mountain –thin coverage & wet snow

2/10 - Mammoth Area - Lakes Basin - snow conditions

2/10 – McGee –McGee mountain –variable snow conditions

2/9 – Bishop Area –Lake Sabrina/George Lk area – snow conditions

*Scroll up and click on “Observations” tab to see listing of past 20 observations, or click on the “Resources” menu --> “ESAC Observations” to see listing of all observations