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Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Professional Observation

       

Basic Information

Observation Details

Observation Date:
January 30, 2022 - January 30, 2022
Submitted:
January 30, 2022
Observer:
Ryan Huetter | Key Observer
Zone or Region:
Mammoth Lakes
Location:
Lakes Basin

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

Key Points

  • Starting to feel like Groundhog Day out there in the hills, with adventure skiing above treeline and the hunt for surface facets in the dwindling N facing terrain between 8500-9500 that is not already tracked. But it was a great day to move around and assess terrain today for a Level 1 group that chose to head out of Twin Lakes to the Mammoth Crest above McCloud Lake.
  • Some patches of surface hoar present in drainages this morning, but isolated to areas where air pooling occurs. Surfaces remain variable but sun and wind crusts that were recently more pronounced are faceting away.
  • Tair at 1130 at 9300′ was 4.5c, calm winds.
  • This zone was providing reliable soft skiing, but the amount of tracks have limited the effect that faceting can continue to have on improving the surface conditions

Advanced Information

Weather Summary

Cloud Cover:
Clear
Temperature:
Above freezing
Wind:
Calm
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