Spring has made its annual appearance with two weeks of above average temperatures and for the most part sunny skies. The last snowfall recorded in the region was on March 5th with up to 7” primarily in the June and Mammoth basins, which was followed by strong winds producing highly wind-effected and firm snow conditions in the upper elevations. Prior to this temperatures were slightly cooler than seasonable with a winter like snowpack. As temperatures began to climb the snowpack began to transition to a spring snowpack with melt freeze crusts forming at the surface while the snowpack as a whole consolidated and strengthened. With the arrival of warming temperatures, Loose Wet avalanches were observed in the Low to Mid elevations, slowly creeping into the upper elevations as temperatures continued to climb into unseasonably warm territory this last week. A change in the weather is forecasted for Monday night when winter will reassert itself through the upcoming week. Slide For Life conditions may exist on slopes before they thaw or areas with hard smooth wind board. Crampons, ice axes, whippets, recommend may be required to safely travel in steeper terrain. Caution – Cornices can fail unexpectedly, avoid Corniced slopes and give them wide berth while traveling along ridgelines.
Saturday High / Overnight Low Air Temperatures in Degrees F as of 0600;
Low High
Virginia Lakes (9300’): 32 48
Ellery Lake (9545’): 33 46
Agnew Pass (9450’): 35 48
June Mtn Wx Plot (9220’): 35 47
Sesame Snow Study (9014’): 36 48
Rock Creek (9700’): 23 49
South Lake (9600’): 32 50