Eastern Sierra Avalanche Forecast - 2/28/14

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THIS AVALANCHE ADVISORY EXPIRED ON March 1, 2014 @ 4:35 pm
Avalanche Advisory published on February 28, 2014 @ 4:35 pm
Issued by Sue Burak - Inyo National Forest

HIGH avalanche danger rating applies to the June Mountain backcountry and the Mammoth Lakes Basin.

Heavy snow and strong winds have created a HIGH avalanche danger this afternoon and into Saturday. Dangerous avalanche conditions exist on north through east aspects from 8,000 to the alpine zone. Human triggered slab avalanches are very likely. Large to very large naturally occurring wind slab avalanches are likely. Backcountry travelers should avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees and avoid avalanche runout zone areas.

This danger rating does not include ski areas or highways where avalanche control is done.

4. High

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Above Treeline
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

4. High

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Near Treeline
Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

No Rating

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Below Treeline
    Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.
Avalanche Problem 1: Storm Slab
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Over 15" of high density snow along with strong and gusty south to southwest winds has further increased the size of wind slabs that formed yesterday. Winds slabs 2 to 4+ feet thick now exist near tree line and above tree line on NW-N-NE-E aspects in the Mammoth and June Mountain areas. Large destructive avalanches are possible.

Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slab
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recent observations
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Widespread slab and loose dry snow avalanches are occurring at the June Mtn ski area.  This afternoon, precipitation and snowfall rates exceeded 0.3" and 4 inches of snowfall in one hour on Mammoth Mountain. High snowfall and loading rates will continue for several more hours, followed by snow showers for the rest of the evening.

Weather and CURRENT CONDITIONS
weather summary

 

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