Eastside Region

LOWAvalanche Danger exists today. Remain vigilant at Middle and Lower elevations on SE-S-SW aspects for small Loose Wet avalanche concerns.  Sunny skies and warm temperatures will drive warming of the sunny aspects especially in rocky and confined terrain where heating effects will be amplified.

With warm temperature (38-46F at the 8-10000ft level), and anticipated bright sunny conditions to start the day, be on the lookout for loosening of snow on SE-S-SW aspects at the Middle to lower elevations. Locations with significant rock outcroppings or cliff bands that aid in absorbing heat and energy will be of most concern.  Cooling SW-S winds will help keep things in check, but sheltered areas that are absorbing solar input and heat with minimal cooling wind effects will be zones to be aware of. Although there was a decent overnight freeze, interestingly there was minimal freezing temperatures present in several sheltered mid elevation weather plots (~9000ft Mammoth-June) that should be considered. When in doubt regarding wet loose conditions, check the supportability of snow you’re travelling on, by taking your skis off and checking boot penetration. If you’re sinking beyond your boot top or further, it’s probably wise to navigate to cooler aspects or get off the slope. Be prepared for variable and firm conditions on northerly aspects in the alpine and exposed terrain. Travellers of late have been praising the benefits of ski/boot crampons, and ice axes to navigate these conditions.

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RECENT OBSERVATIONS:

3/04 – Mammoth Area – Lakes Basin –Variable snow conditions

3/04 – Bishop Area –SF Bishop Creek –Loss of snow, variable conditions

3/04 – Rock Creek – thin snow conditions

3/03 – Mammoth Area – Sherwins – snow profile