Close
Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 16, 2022
Submitted:
January 16, 2022
Observer:
Chris Engelhardt | ESAC Forecaster
Zone or Region:
Bishop Creek
Location:
Mt. Tom-East Gully-ESE aspect

Signs of Unstable Snow

Recent Avalanches? 
None Observed
Cracking? 
None Experienced
Collapsing? 
None Experienced

Snow Stability

Stability Rating: 
Very Good
Confidence in Rating: 
High
Stability Trend: 
Steady

Media

ESE on E Gully Mt Tom @ 1245pm
East Gully Mt Tom @ 1pm

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
38-43degF
Wind:
Calm

43degF @ 9100ft @ 1200

38degF @ 10100ft @ 1245

Dead Calm all morning on the mountain.

High cloud very early this morning gave way to clear skies until around noon, where high haze started building again.

Snowpack Observations

Started skinning from 6000ft elevation under clear skis and quickly warming temperatures. It was quite sweaty and oppressive in the beating sun this morning with no breeze to cool things off. 43degF @ noon @ 9100ft. The snowpack is dwindling quickly down low on easterly through westerly aspects in Buttermilk country. We ascended the East Gully on Mt. Tom and headed up the East aspect which tilts Southeast in sections up to 10000ft. Snow depths averaged 30-60cm except where cross-loaded in gully features where is quite a bit deeper. Early morning clouds gave way to clear sun for most of the morning until a high haze started building again a bit before noon. Skied down just before 1pm as the haze was increasingly diffusing the sunlight. Skied in a light shirt, sunglasses, and ball cap California style both up and down today, it doesn’t even feel like winter. For the most part the snow pack in this area was in a transitional state and was primarily cold and wintry with a moist 10-15cm surface. Ski penetration was from 5-10cm and boot penetration was no more than 20cm up until 1pm. Minor roller balling off of turns and for the most part enjoyable skiing. Imagine in confined terrain with lots of rock and steep slope angle getting more direct sunlight conditions could have been wetter and a bit looser. No loose wet activity observed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdh4dwH8s5c

Close