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Snowpack Summary March 16, 2019
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 8:15am This summary applies to backcountry areas only. The Bottom Line – Avalanche danger will be moderate today As high pressure has moved in with gradually warming afternoon temps and clear skies we can expect rapid warming during the day leading to Loose Wet Avalanche problems as the day progresses. The mornings will start out firm and fast at all elevations and aspects and as such a slip can easily result in a slid for life scenario. As the day warms and sun effects the snow pack Loose Wet problems will become likely and present from Eastern aspects early and follow the compass rose through the South around to Western aspects late in the day. Be aware of the signs of loose wet instability i.e. significant change in temperature, boots sinking into boot top depth, roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rocks. These are all signs of instability. Windslabs may still be lingering and could be a problem due to the Strong winds for that last couple of days that are still continuing today. Windslabs will be likely and could be encountered on any aspect due to the shifting wind patterns and the topographical influence. Be aware especially on Southeast to Southwest aspects below ridges and on sidewalls of gullies where loading is possible. This problem will be much more pronounced above treeline out of wind sheltered areas. Look for the signs of wind transported snow. Drifting snow, Cornices, Windsculpted snow, pillowed areas of snow and wind scoured surfaces. Be aware of quite variable conditions as you travel within short distances and as the day progresses and temperatures change. Fast firm conditions will be another problem due to the overnight freezing temperatures at all elevations and aspects. Avalanche concern will be moderate today and into the weekend. Loose Wet Avalanches will become likely through the day each day as the temperature rises and sun effects the snow due to warmer afternoon temperatures. This problem will become likely as the day progresses and begin on Easterly aspects in the morning Moving through Southerly aspects into Westerly aspects later in the day. Be aware of sinking deeper into the snow as you climb, roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rock outcroppings as these are signs the snow is changing and becoming less stable. Wind Slab avalanches could be be possible and may be lingering in some areas. Strong winds have been affecting the mountains for days and will continue through this afternoon. Wind Slabs will develop below ridge lines and on sidewalls of gullies where crossloading is possible. Due to topographic influences and variable winds, wind slabs can develop in various locations and will be possible at lower elevations but more likely at higher elevations above treeline and out of wind sheltered areas. Be aware of the clues of wind transported snow such as cornice development, wind drifting snow and uneven snow surfaces. Fast firm conditions will be likely every morning at all elevations and on all aspects due to below freezing temperatures in the evenings. A slip and fall could result in a slide for life scenario. Be aware of what is below you as self arrest may be difficult. Use crampons and ice axe and know how to self arrest. Slip and fall incidents remains one of our biggest problems in the Southern California mountains. Please use the proper equipment, have the experience to use it well and if you are getting into a situation that is uncomfortable back off before retreat becomes impossible. Exercise caution on slopes >30°. Be well aware of your surroundings and changing conditions throughout the day and your travel area. Expect variable conditions, be prepared with the proper equipment and plan accordingly. 
Avalanche Problem #1
Loose Wet avalanches are the release of wet unconsolidated snow or slush. These avalanches typically occur within layers of wet snow near the surface of the snowpack, but they may quickly gouge into lower snowpack layers. Like Loose Dry Avalanches, they start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-wet avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs. Loose Wet avalanches can trigger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers. 
Avalanche Problem #2
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs. General Summary
Avalanche Problem #1 – Loose Wet avalanches will become possible as the day progresses on Southerly aspects especially with solar exposure due to the warmer afternoon temperatures expected. Avalanche concern will progress from East through South to West through the day due to warming temperatures. Avalanche Problem #2 – Wind Slabs may lingering in some areas and could be possible on most aspects due to the variable winds of the past few days. Look for the signs of wind effected snow. Drifting snow, cornices and uneven snow surfaces, especially below ridges or on sides of gullies where crossloading can occur. Fast firm conditions will be likely every morning on all aspects at all elevations due to overnight temperatures below freezing. A slip and fall could lead to a slide for life scenario. Be aware of your surrounding especially whats below you. Bring the proper equipment and know how to self arrest. Always practice use of avalanche skills when entering avalanche terrain and on steep slopes. Travel with a partner, use proper safe travel practices and carry a beacon shovel and probe. Most importantly know how to use them! To better understand the challenges and potential variability over the large area we are producing information for please read our Snowpack Summary - Format and Limitations Snowpack Summary - Format and Limitations Disclaimer:
This Bulletin is designed to generally describe conditions where local variations always occur. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and make slope specific evaluations. As always, please treat this bulletin with appropriately guarded skepticism and make your own assessments. Help to provide more information to the community by reporting your observations
3-20-19 Happy Vernal Equinox, Corn season is on it's way after another day of winter today. Much cooler today with mostly cloudy to overcast skies and moderate Southerly to Westerly winds. The morning will begin with a chance of snow becoming likley through the day. Snow levels will begin around 6,500'/ 1,981m and drop to 5,500'/ 1,676m or lower. Forecast accumulations of 3"/ 7.5cm to 8"/ 20cm for today above 7,000'/ 2,134m. There is a Winter Weather Advisory in effect from 5:00pm today until 8:00pm March 21.
••• The previous forecast discussion ••• Snow will become likely by early Wednesday morning with much colder temperatures through this period. Things will clear out slowly through Thursday. Snow level will begin near 6,500'/ 1,981m and drop to near 5,000'/ 1,524m. Forecast accumulations of 3"/ 7.5cm to 9"/ 22.5cm above 6,500'/ 1,981m are expected depending on location. Periods of strong winds are likely during this period. Friday should be clear and dry for the day. Saturday will bring a chance of morning snow showers with clearing for Sunday into Monday. Hint: for historical weather forecast data use our facebook page as all posts are there on a running timeline. For more details check each areas forecast and weather stations for most current information. Latest Observtions
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Observation type - Avalanche
Location (general area) - Goldmine Canyon Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190312 Comment - slides ranging from 10-20 feet wide, crowns 8-12',100'+paths moist snow mitigated by snow cut patrol then open to public |
Observation type
- Snowpack Location (general area) - Angeles Crest above Winston Springs Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190312 Comment - at 2:15 observed 16" - 18" of snow at parking areas skin from car wind board and ice at 7,518' NNW aspect 83cm of snow. Firm snow for 20cm on a solid ice block crust on surface 2" fairly well bonded Signs of wind effects with loading in various areas. More wind effect than expected. Much of the area was wind board and rain crust. Wind appeared to be Northeasterly with loaded areas Southwesterly to Northwesterly. At 7,000' tested a windslab that was very reactive on the rain crust below. Approximately 30cm deep. Slab self arrested in loose snow after about 3' Signs of solar influence and rapid warming by 4:00pm with significant roller ball activity on Westerly slopes Surface was quite variable for riding. Mixed surface from rain crust/ ice to wind loaded pillows, fresh pockets of powder, a breakable crust and mash potatoes from sun and heat. Interesting riding with obstacles at the lower elevations. Ski crampons were useful in areas where there was little snow on the rain crust/ Skin wax was also welcome as the day warmed up |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - Baldy Bowl Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190310 Comment - Thanks for your data, it was of great help. We summited Baldy on the 9th. Snow was in good conditions for crampons until about 11am that restarted to soften. We started to climb the Bowl late, 10ish am. and finished around 11:30ish am Good weather in general a little windy at the summit and foggy in our way down . |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - BBMR top of Chair 9 Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190310 Comment - Pit dug in Ski area, not necessarily representative of backcountry conditions. Stability testing and crystal ID performed approx an hour after pit was dug. Snowfall in trace amounts. |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - Kratka Ridge Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190310 Comment - Hwy 2 still closed at Mt. Wilson, open beyond Big Tujunga to Islip saddle. Snow on road beyond Islip saddle gate Snow was not contiguous on ground until just before Mt. Waterman 1" to 2" of consolidated new snow in top of a firm ice crust. Height of snow 33.5"/ 85cm Almost no boot or ski penetration due to icy layer. Firm snow was difficult to edge on. New snow of 1-2" would easily slip across ice layer just below. Upper snowpack is refrozen and digging very difficult since I didn’t bring my jackhammer I abandoned digging a pit. Snow pack was very frim and due to the last two rain events and deep freezing has set up into a fairly sold block. |
General Caution
You should always use safe terrain management and carry avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry. Most avalanches are triggered by someone in the party or the victim. Practice with your rescue gear often and be prepared should the worst happen. Though we do not have an avalanche forecast center in this area as of yet, the information posted and shared here as well as the resources available on this site will help to make informed decisions for your backcountry travels. Use avalanche forecasts in your travels wherever available and be aware that avalanche ratings are general information. Elevation, location, geographic variability’s, slope aspect and angle all have effects on the particular area you travel in. This is only one piece of the information you should use in your decision making process. There is no substitute for avalanche education, for more resources and information as well as education please refer to our resources page.
You should always use safe terrain management and carry avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry. Most avalanches are triggered by someone in the party or the victim. Practice with your rescue gear often and be prepared should the worst happen. Though we do not have an avalanche forecast center in this area as of yet, the information posted and shared here as well as the resources available on this site will help to make informed decisions for your backcountry travels. Use avalanche forecasts in your travels wherever available and be aware that avalanche ratings are general information. Elevation, location, geographic variability’s, slope aspect and angle all have effects on the particular area you travel in. This is only one piece of the information you should use in your decision making process. There is no substitute for avalanche education, for more resources and information as well as education please refer to our resources page.
SCSAC T-shirts and Hats now available
for the 2017/ 2018 season with donation
Fundraising
campaign
We are raising funds to purchase and install the first of several weather stations at remote locations in our local mountains. This will bring us much needed pertinent data from above snow line that we doe not have reliable resources for. Satelite link up will bring us snow depth and amounts, along with wind, temperature and much more and will be available to the public.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase the equipment, cover installations costs and provide for a much needed overhaul of the website.
Please contribute to make this a reality for us all. Click on the donate button below and come out to join our annual fundraiser event at Mt. Baldy
Goal: $10,000 Recieved: $2,500.00
For more information go to the Fundraiser Program page
campaign
We are raising funds to purchase and install the first of several weather stations at remote locations in our local mountains. This will bring us much needed pertinent data from above snow line that we doe not have reliable resources for. Satelite link up will bring us snow depth and amounts, along with wind, temperature and much more and will be available to the public.
Our goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase the equipment, cover installations costs and provide for a much needed overhaul of the website.
Please contribute to make this a reality for us all. Click on the donate button below and come out to join our annual fundraiser event at Mt. Baldy
Goal: $10,000 Recieved: $2,500.00
For more information go to the Fundraiser Program page
2017/18 Events
The Avalanche Center
The Avalanche Center
So Cal snow Fest SCSAC Fundraiser
Free Avalanche
Awareness
Presentations:
Everyone is welcome
California State
University
San Marcos
TBA
In the REC center /
Clarke Field House 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096
Claremont College Outdoor Education Center
601 Amherst Av.
Claremont, Ca. 91711
TBA
The Adventure 16
Free Avalanche
Awareness series
Happy half hour 6:30pm
Presentation 7:00pm
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 San Diego
4620 Alvarado Canyon Rd.
San Diegeo, CA, 92120 USA
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 Tarzana
5425 Reseda Blvd.
Tarzana, CA, 91356 USA
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 West L.A.
11161 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90064 USA
Future dates and events TBA soon be sure to visit the events page for updates and details
Free Avalanche
Awareness
Presentations:
Everyone is welcome
California State
University
San Marcos
TBA
In the REC center /
Clarke Field House 333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Rd., San Marcos, CA 92096
Claremont College Outdoor Education Center
601 Amherst Av.
Claremont, Ca. 91711
TBA
The Adventure 16
Free Avalanche
Awareness series
Happy half hour 6:30pm
Presentation 7:00pm
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 San Diego
4620 Alvarado Canyon Rd.
San Diegeo, CA, 92120 USA
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 Tarzana
5425 Reseda Blvd.
Tarzana, CA, 91356 USA
January TBA, 2018
Adventure 16 West L.A.
11161 W. Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA, 90064 USA
Future dates and events TBA soon be sure to visit the events page for updates and details
National Ski
Patrol - Local
Claremont Calif. L.A.
Level 1 Class sessions
Registration
6pm - 10pm
January 9th & 11th
Level 2 class sessions
Returning in 2019
Field Sessions
(subject to snow conditions)
January 20th & 21st
February 10th $ 11th
March TBA
Sierra Mountain
Center
Bishop, Ca
Level 1 classes
2017/18 dates are up
Level 2 class
2017/18 Dates are up
Sierra Mountain
Guides
Bishop, Ca.
Level 1 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
Level 2 class
2017/18 Dates are up
Sierra
Mountaineering
International
Bishop, Ca
Level 1 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
Level 2 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
For the current curriculum visit
the AAI & AAIRE
websites
Patrol - Local
Claremont Calif. L.A.
Level 1 Class sessions
Registration
6pm - 10pm
January 9th & 11th
Level 2 class sessions
Returning in 2019
Field Sessions
(subject to snow conditions)
January 20th & 21st
February 10th $ 11th
March TBA
Sierra Mountain
Center
Bishop, Ca
Level 1 classes
2017/18 dates are up
Level 2 class
2017/18 Dates are up
Sierra Mountain
Guides
Bishop, Ca.
Level 1 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
Level 2 class
2017/18 Dates are up
Sierra
Mountaineering
International
Bishop, Ca
Level 1 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
Level 2 classes
2017/18 Dates are up
For the current curriculum visit
the AAI & AAIRE
websites
Slide path in the San Gabriel mountains
Awareness
There are avalanches in So Cal. This sign is on the road just before Mt. Baldy trailhead
