Avalanche Advisory: Monday - Feb 10, 2020

THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 11, 2020 @ 6:45 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 10, 2020 @ 6:45 am
Issued by Chris Engelhardt - Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

LOW avalanche danger exists at all Elevations. Look for unstable snow on isolated terrain features and hazardous shallow snowpack conditions.

1. Low

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Above Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Near Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

1. Low

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Below Treeline
Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
    Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.
Avalanche Problem 1: Normal Caution
  • Type ?

Northeasterly winds will continue to strip shady aspects in exposed terrain and further remove snow and harden remaining surfaces. We had upwards of 2-3" of new snow in the northern part of the zone yesterday which doesn’t add up to much even when drifted in catchment zones. Middle elevations at Tree line or cross loaded couloirs and gullies may present the most viable area to collect newly transported snow, so continue to look for unstable snow conditions on isolated terrain features and identify surface deposits such as ribbons of new snow, pillows adjacent to ridgeline, rock outcroppings and cliff bands and avoid riding over terrain traps. Biggest hazards remain inconsistent snow surfaces including breakable crust, loose faceted unsupportable areas and section of firm wind board. As we continue to lose snow through wind effects and warming, obstacles are becoming more and more numerous with each passing day during what has become a significant lull in precipitation for the Sierra.

advisory discussion

I’d like to thank and remember Dave McCoy for all he has done for the Eastern Sierra. He is directly responsible for introducing so many people to the beauty, freedom, and enjoyment of being outside in the mountains skiing.

As conditions in the backcountry have become challenging, practicing basic skills can be a source of entertainment and continued refinement in regards to companion rescue and basic and advanced skiing/riding skills especially if you can access the developed ski area where conditions on the groomers are some of the best turns available right now.

recent observations
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2/9- Mammoth Area- Sherwins –snow conditions

2/9- Mammoth Area –Mammoth Rock Bowl-snowpit

2/8 – Buttermilks – Peaklet -wind

2/8 – VA Lakes - snow conditions

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Strong to Extreme NE winds will continue with a wind advisory in effect until 10am this morning. Velocities will be in the 35-55mph range with gusts reaching 75mph for the high country. Sunny conditions will prevail with temperatures warming up a bit from yesterday (23-31F in the higher mountains and reaching the high 30sF below 10000ft). Northerly flow and dry conditions prevail through mid-week with some potential for precipitation next weekend.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 8,000 ft. to 10,000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 31 to 39. deg. F. 13 to 18. deg. F. 36 to 44. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: North 15 to 35 mph with gusts to 60 mph. North 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 45 mph. North 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
Over 10,000 ft.
Monday Monday Night Tuesday
Weather: Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Clear. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%. Sunny. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 0%.
Temperatures: 23 to 31. deg. F. 10 to 15. deg. F. 28 to 36. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Northeast 35 to 55 mph with gusts to 75 mph. Northeast 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph. Northeast 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. 0 in.
Disclaimer
This Avalanche Advisory is designed to generally describe avalanche conditions where local variations always occur. This product only applies to backcountry areas located outside established ski area boundaries. The information in this Avalanche Advisory is provided by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, who is solely responsible for its content.

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