Avalanche Advisory: Sunday - Mar 31, 2019

THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON April 1, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Avalanche Advisory published on March 31, 2019 @ 6:59 am
Issued by Josh Feinberg - Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Loose wet avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE today at all elevations as solar aspects warm from intense sun and warmer air temperatures.  Isolated stubborn wind slabs may linger at upper elevations in extreme terrain.  

2. Moderate

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Above Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Near Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

2. Moderate

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Below Treeline
Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
    Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.
Avalanche Problem 1: Loose Wet
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Sunny skies, light winds, and warmer temperatures than we have had in a long time will elevate the amount of loose-wet activity today.  Sunny aspects will warm from solar radiation through the day, first east then south then west in the afternoon. As these slopes warm expect to see more point releases from rock bands and deeper moistening of the snowpack, which could lead to greater potential of loose wet sloughs especially in the confines of rocky gullies or couloirs.  Large pin-wheels and the snow becoming wet and unsupportive are signs to find shadier aspects.  Be aware of what is over-head.  Even small loose wet avalanches could entrain a skier and pin them against a tree or lead to a burial especially if a terrain trap is involved.  

With temperatures expected to reach 50° around 8,000’, lower elevation northerly aspects will likely see some warming today as well, especially on treed slopes. 

Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slab
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The last wind loading occurred Thursday night.  While most areas of wind slab have stabilized by this point, isolated areas may exist where a stubborn sensitive wind slab could still be triggered. Be aware of this possibility especially at upper elevations in extreme terrain. 

advisory discussion

Overnight clear skies will have led to a solid refreeze of slopes with any kind of melt yesterday. A fall on one of these slopes today before they begin softening with the sun could be very hard to self-arrest.  Areas of firm wind-board exist as well.  Crampons and ice-ax or whippet are wise tools to carry if you are planning on traveling on these kinds of slopes. 

recent observations
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-3/30 - June - Negatives & Hemlock: Conditions and solar effects.

-3/30 - Mammoth - Pika Peak: Conditions.

-3/29 - June - Negatives: Skier triggered wind slab.

-3/29 - Convict - Old Man's Bowl: Small skier triggered loose dry/tiny wind slab avalanche.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Today will be our last day of high pressure, sunny skies and light winds.  Most notably, temperatures will be about 10°F warmer today than previous days, with highs reaching around 40° at 10,000ft, and into the 50s at 8000ft.

Unstable weather returns Monday night thru the end of the week and into the weekend.  Increased winds and mostly light amounts of snow are expected, with the possibility of a more significant storm at the end of the week. 

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: Sunny. Partly cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels 8500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 25%.
Temperatures: 42 to 50. deg. F. 25 to 30. deg. F. 41 to 51. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds. Light winds becoming south around 15 mph in the afternoon. Gusts up to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. No accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. in.
Over 10,000 ft.
Sunday Sunday Night Monday
Weather: Sunny. Partly cloudy. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers in the afternoon. Snow levels 8500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 25%.
Temperatures: 35 to 41. deg. F. 20 to 25. deg. F. 33 to 41. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southwest 5 to 10 mph. Light winds. Southwest 15 to 20 mph with gusts to 30 mph.
Expected snowfall: 0 in. 0 in. No accumulation. | SWE = trace amounts. 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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