Avalanche

Lee Vining Canyon

Avalanche.org observerEastside Region
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Quick report

After the storms of 3/22 and 3/23, there was 8-12” of fresh snow on top of old, firm snow. On our descent from Tioga Pass on 3/24, we noted many natural slides, particularly on convex slopes above 30 degrees. As we dropped into Lee Vining Canyon down towards the power station, skier 1 triggered an unintentional storm slab avalanche on a W facing convexity. A 10-12” crown (at deepest) spanning 20-30’ resulted with a vertical fall of 60-70’. Skier 1 skied out of slide to left.

Weather

Cloud Cover
overcast
Wind Loading
none
Recent Snowfall
20-30

Avalanche

Size
D1 R1
Count
2
Aspect
W
Trigger
AS
Elevation
9200 ft

Unintentional, skier-triggered storm slab avalanche on a WSW ~33 degree slope at a convexity at 9200’. Skier exited to left of slide.