The snowpack in the Sierras remains thin and mostly confined to elevations above ~9,000 to 9,500’ around Mammoth, possibly higher elsewhere. Dense early season storms in November deposited enough snow for good coverage, however early season conditions exist with numerous obstacles and many hazards just under the snow surface. The recent cold overnight temperatures have created a moderate to strong temperature gradient in the upper snowpack, producing weak sugary faceted snow in the upper snowpack, especially in sheltered areas. Previous wind events formed pockets of dense wind slabs, near and above treeline that are resting on weak faceted snow. Normally, a few hours to a couple of days is enough time for Wind Slabs to strengthen and stabilize but the faceted upper snowpack is inhibiting bonding and slowing the normal strengthening processes. Additionally, previous Wind Slabs are showing signs of decomposing and loosing strength, increasing the potential for triggered release. The snowpack near and above treeline alternates between soft facts in sheltered areas, wind stripped, wind deposited areas, and melt / freeze patches. Good skiing can be found on sheltered Northerly aspects or on Southerly aspects with enough coverage that are reportedly offering good spring-like skiing in the limited areas. Below treeline, the snowpack continues to be exceptionally thin. As the winter progresses, the facets in the upper snowpack may form a weak layer, once buried, while the melt-freeze crusts may act as a prime bed surface for future avalanches.
