Lakes Basin

Avalanches continue to be unlikely in our generally stable snowpack. While unseasonably warm temperatures and sunshine are causing surface snow on solar slopes to moisten into the afternoon, wind-affected surfaces and general lack of snow are keeping us from reaching a true wet loose problem. Wind slabs exist but are generally unreactive. Faceting continues to to progress underneath these firmer surfaces; however this process is unconcerning at this time. 

No signs of instability observed.

The snowpack remains generally stable, and there's not a lot to write home about. As a forecaster in the NW wrote in his recent observation, we go so you don't have to!

• "Variable surfaces" is our key phrase. Multiple extreme, and shifting wind events have left most aspects NTL and ATL either wind-scoured or wind-pressed, with wind board, sastrugi, and old, unreactivebreakable and supportable wind slabs. Some surfaces are slick and warrant additional traction (boot crampons, ice ax). Trap door breakable melt-freeze crusts are also easily found at mid and lower elevations, as well as on higher elevation slopes that face the sun. In some sheltered, northerly terrain, you may find soft surfaces due to productive surface faceting
• Faceting continues underneath these old surfaces. However, it is not a concern for stability in the Mammoth area right now
• Unseasonably warm temperatures and direct sun exposure is making snow NTL and ATL on wind-sheltered slopes moisten throughout the day. This will be your primary concern to keep an eye on if you plan to head into steeper terrain. Planning your timing to not be on steep, sun-exposed slopes too late in the day will provide buffer.