Avalanche Advisory: Sunday - Feb 24, 2019

THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 25, 2019 @ 6:11 am
Avalanche Advisory published on February 24, 2019 @ 6:11 am
Issued by Steve Mace - ESAC

Avalanche Danger will be LOW today at all elevations.  It will still be possible to find small sensitive wind slabs in isolated areas at upper elevations. Evaluate terrain features carefully and practice safe travel protocols.

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: Wind Slab
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    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
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The last few days have brought favorable weather with cool temperatures and calm winds. While there have been isolated reports of recent wind slab activity, we suspect a healing trend.  It will be possible to find isolated areas where wind fresh winds slabs are still sensitive to human trigger.  These are more likely to be found on more easterly aspects at upper elevations, however lingering wind slabs may be present on all aspects.  Use surface clues to identify and avoid wind loaded areas.  Blowing snow, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all signs that wind loading is occurring nearby. While resulting avalanches are likely to be small, be particularly cautious in extreme terrain and on unsupported slopes where the consequences of an avalanche are elevated. 

advisory discussion

While generally, safe avalanche conditions exist it will not be impossible to find unstable snow today.  Pay attention to the weather and its effect on your local area and keep in mind that surface conditions are variable across the landscape.  Be particularly cautious in areas where the Valentines Day rain crust is on the surface. Travel on this crust is difficult, and a fall could be unpleasant.   

recent observations
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2/23- Lee Vining area, V Bowl Snow Conditions

2/22- Bishop Area, Sensitive wind slabs on Mt Tom

2/22- June Lake Area, Snow Conditions in the Negatives

2/22- June Lake Area, Reversed Peak Snow Conditions

2/22- Mammoth Area, Red Cone Snow Conditions

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Today will bring mostly cloudy skies and a slight chance of snow. Winds will be moderate out of the west with gusts expected to reach 50 mph on ridge tops and temperatures will be in the mid-20s.  

Tomorrow will bring a change in the weather as a Pacific storm system moves into the region. There is an increased chance of snow on Monday with strong winds shifting to the southwest.

Models for the intensity and timing of this approaching winter storm are still mixed, but you can expect to see the snow start in earnest Monday evening into Tuesday with increasing winds.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 8,000 ft. to 10,000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow after midnight. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Temperatures: 29 to 37. deg. F. 16 to 22. deg. F. 30 to 38. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph. Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 45 mph. Southwest 15 to 30 mph with gusts to 60 mph.
Expected snowfall: None in. None in. 80% probability up to 2 inches. 20% probability of 2 to 3 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. in.
Over 10,000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow after midnight. Cloudy. Chance of snow through the day. Snow levels below 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Temperatures: 20 to 26. deg. F. 11 to 16. deg. F. 21 to 27. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: West 20 to 30 mph with gusts to 50 mph. Southwest 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 65 mph. Southwest 35 to 55 mph with gusts to 90 mph.
Expected snowfall: None in. None in. 80% probability up to 2 inch. 20% probability of 2 to 3 inches. | SWE = less than 0.10 inch. 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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