Avalanche Advisory: Thursday - Jan 31, 2019

THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON February 1, 2019 @ 6:14 am
Avalanche Advisory published on January 31, 2019 @ 6:14 am
Issued by Chris Engelhardt - Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

The avalanche danger is LOW at all elevations today. With continued warm temperatures be on the lookout for wet loose conditions in the mid to low elevations, particularly if the day turns out to be sunnier than forecasted.

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: Loose Wet
  • Type ?
  • Aspect/Elevation ?
  • Likelihood ?
    Certain
    Very Likely
    Likely
    Possible
    Unlikely
  • Size ?
    Historic
    Very Large
    Large
    Small

Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy conditions today will likely cut the intensity of the solar input, but with resident warm temperatures there is still reason to monitor sunny aspects for wet loose conditions in the mid to lower elevations today. Light southerly breezes above 10,000ft should help to keep surface conditions cooler. Pay particular attention if snow is unsupportable or if there is active shedding or small point releases sliding from heated slopes. If the sun does decide to shine today, increased awareness will be appropriate for travelling on or under sunny aspects. 

advisory discussion

REMEMBER that LOW Avalanche Danger does not mean NO Danger. Remain observant and follow good travel practices as the mountains always deserve respect. Use your own assessments and route finding especially in regards to warming slopes that present overhead hazards. Gullies or couloirs that may funnel heated snow from sunny aspects or shallow unsupported sunny slopes could present the greatest risk right now.

 

recent observations
Submit Snowpack Observations
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1/30 – Bishop Creek – North Fork – snow conditions

1/30 – Mammoth Area –Punta Bardini – snow conditions

1/29 – Lee Vining - V bowl – snow conditions

1/29 – Bishop Creek – Paiute Crags snow conditions

1/29 - Mammoth Area-Minaret Vista snow conditions

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy skies with above freezing temperatures are expected for today. It looks to even be warmer than yesterday with temps in the mid to upper 40s below 10,000ft and the mid to upper 30s for upper elevations. Light southeasterly breezes are slated and should keep things a bit cooler. Close to a repeat of yesterday, there will be a slim chance for trace amounts of snow today through tonight. We will again get good overnight cold temperatures to re-freeze the warming pack and lock things into place. This weekend’s storm cycle is getting exciting to see, especially with this morning’s recent discussion comments from the NWS… “15-30 inches possible in the high Sierra” mostly coming on Saturday and a possible “additional 1-2 feet” for the Sunday/Monday storm.

Two-Day Mountain Weather Forecast Produced in partnership with the Reno NWS
For 8,000 ft. to 10,000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels 7000 feet. Chance of precipitation is 15%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 10%.
Temperatures: 39 to 47. deg. F. 23 to 28. deg. F. 39 to 45. deg. F.
Mid Slope Winds: Light winds. Light winds becoming south 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 30 mph after midnight. South 15 to 25 mph. Gusts up to 30 mph increasing to 45 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: Trace amounts. | SWE = trace amounts. in. No accumulation. | SWE = none. in. Trace amounts. | SWE = trace amounts. in.
Over 10,000 ft.
Thursday Thursday Night Friday
Weather: Mostly cloudy then becoming partly cloudy. Slight chance of snow showers. Snow levels 7500 feet. Chance of precipitation is 25%. Partly cloudy. Snow levels 7500 feet decreasing to below 7000 feet after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 5%. Mostly cloudy. Slight chance of snow in the afternoon. Snow levels below 7000 feet increasing to 7000 feet in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 15%.
Temperatures: 33 to 39. deg. F. 18 to 24. deg. F. 31 to 37. deg. F.
Ridge Top Winds: Southeast 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph in the afternoon. South 10 to 15 mph. Gusts up to 25 mph after midnight. Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph increasing to south 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 55 mph in the afternoon.
Expected snowfall: Trace amounts. | SWE = trace amounts. in. No accumulation. | SWE = none. in. Trace amounts. | 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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