Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Where new snowfall amounts early this morning exceed an inch or two be on the lookout for small isolated areas of fresh dense wind deposited snow at all elevations that could be sensitive to a human trigger. Strong to Extreme winds shifting from the SW to the NW will mean that N-S-E facing terrain will be most suspect. Although LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations, remember that LOW does not mean that isolated small avalanches are impossible! If expected snowfall amounts are exceeded, wind slabs could become more widespread.      

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The Sierra’s have been living up to their windy reputation over the past week and today will be no exception with continued very strong winds out of the west and northwest.  For Mammoth and north where snowfall over an inch or two materializes early this morning watch for mostly small isolated fresh dense wind deposits sensitive to human triggering at all elevations on N-E-S facing terrain. Expect to find these deposits on the leeward side of ridgelines, sidewalls of gullies and around other features that promote drifting. Even without new snow, terrain on the edges of forests where soft snow exists could harbor small isolated fresh wind deposits as well. Watch for cracking under your feet and do your own localized assessments to decide what terrain is appropriate. Even a small slab failing can lead to injury or worse in consequential terrain.   

Avalanche Discussion

Winds have ravaged the Eastern Sierra out of every direction for the past week since our last significant snowfall on the 12-13th.  Variable firm conditions prevail on exposed slopes ranging from smooth windboard to breakable crust to sastrugi to frozen. Slide for life conditions exist. Soft snow can still be found in sheltered trees.  When the sun comes out tomorrow, temperatures increase, and winds decrease, loose wet concerns could develop at lower elevations on sunny aspects. 

RECENT OBSERVATIONS

-2/19 – Mammoth Lakes Basin – Hollywood Bowl: Winds, Loose Wet, Surface Hoar

-2/18-19 - Bridgeport – Little Slide Canyon: Wind transport and surface conditions Obs 1, Obs 2, Obs 3.

-2/19 – Mammoth Lakes Basin – Red Cone: Winds and wind effects

-2/18- Mammoth Area- Wind transport, surface conditions, and large facets in the lakes basin

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