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Snowpack Summary May 3, 2019
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 8:15am This summary applies to backcountry areas only. The Bottom Line – It has been a great and interesting season. We’d like to thank everyone that supported us and used our information throughout the 2018/19 season. We truly hope that it was helpful in your decision making and safety for travel in our wonderful Southern California Mountains. Please use our contact page to submit thoughts, ideas and feedback. We in the end, are here for you! With that being said this will probably be our last Snowpack Summary this season as the snow is receding fast. Watch for a post in the next week or two with all the numbers for this fantastic season. Our snowpack is receding quickly and basically restricted to higher elevation, sheltered Northerly slopes. Lower elevation snow is pretty much gone and Southerly aspects have mostly melted out. High pressure is keeping temperatures warm for today and tomorrow as overnight temperatures are treading the line just above and below freezing. Fast and firm conditions are still likely every morning where you do encounter snow and will still take some time to soften on Northerly aspects. A slip can easily 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 remain 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 be prepared to turn around or back off before retreat becomes impossible. As the snow recedes obstacles become abundant on the lower slopes be aware of what is below you. As the day warms each day, Loose Wet Avalanches will become possible especially on sun exposed slopes starting in the east and moving through the aspects to the west late in the day. Be aware of the signs of loose wet instability i.e. significant change in temperature, boots sinking into the snowpack and the snowpack becoming unsupportive These are all signs of instability. A loose wet avalanche can easily sweep you off your feet for a nasty ride and in the right conditions could still possibly bury you. Low pressure is forecast to return Sunday through most of the week. Expect cooler temperatures along with a slight chance of rain and snow at times through Thursday. This will slow the warming process and possibly prevent Northerly aspects form softening until late in the day or not at all. Glide cracks have become more prominent on the Northerly slopes where substantial snow remains. Glide avalanches are highly unpredictable and rare but could be possible. Look for moist and wet snow at the base of the snowpack and watch for continued nights of above freezing temperatures. These will generally not be human triggered but the right conditions over time can cause these slopes to release. 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
Glide Avalanches are the release of the entire snow cover as a result of gliding over the ground. Glide avalanches can be composed of wet, moist, or almost entirely dry snow. They typically occur in very specific paths, where the slope is steep enough and the ground surface is relatively smooth. They are often proceeded by full depth cracks (glide cracks), though the time between the appearance of a crack and an avalanche can vary between seconds and months. Glide avalanches are unlikely to be triggered by a person, are nearly impossible to forecast, and thus pose a hazard that is extremely difficult to manage. General Summary
Avalanche Problem #1 – Loose Wet avalanches will become possible as the day progresses, especially for Friday and Saturday on all aspects where snow exists along with solar exposure due to warmer afternoon temperatures. Avalanche concern will progress from East through South to West through the day due to warming temperatures. This problem will become less likely for Sunday through Thursday mainly on Northern aspects due to low pressure and colder temperatures, but still remains possible. Avalanche Problem #2 – Glide Avalanches, the growth and increase of glide cracks have been noted on all Northerly aspects. These are highly unpredictable and with less overnight freezing and warmer temperatures could release as large glide avalanches. General Problem - Fast firm conditions will be likely every morning on all aspects at all elevations especially Sunday through Thursday due to colder temperatures and some increased cloud cover with the possibility of precipitation. A slip and fall could lead to a slide for life scenario. Be aware of your surroundings, especially what is below you. Bring the proper equipment i.e ice axe and crampons 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
5-22-19 Another cool cloudy day with mostly cloudy to overcast skies and moderate to strong West to Northwest winds. A chance of snow this morning will become likely snow later today with snow levels beginning below 6,000'/ 3,316m and rising to near 7,000'/ 3,871m for today. Accumulations forecast fo above 7,500'/ 4,149m are from 5"/ 12.5cm to 7"/ 17.5cm and probably more at the higher elevations. There is a Wind Advisory in effect from 9:00am this morning until 12:00am Thursday may 23.
••• The previous forecast discussion ••• The chance of snow will persist through the week with extended low pressure troughing. There will be slight breaks Thursday evening and Friday evening as forecast for now but low pressure influence and varying possibilities of snow will continue through the Holiday. Snow lines will remain around the 7,000'/ level or lower except later in the week could rise to above 8,000'/ 2,438m. Forecast totals range from a few inches to possibly 11"/ 27.5cm above 8,000'/ 2,438m. 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
- Snowpack Location (general area) - Mt Baden Powell Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190325 Comment - Firm conditions on the uptick in the morning. Firm and crusty at the summit - wind board breakable crust just off ridge and softening quickly in the afternoon. A short distance below the summit areas were firm with no BP to 20cm BP in other locations. There was a 1cm crust on top of 7cm of softer snow on top of a solid ice block. Not able to dig a pit due to ice layer approximately 8cm down. surface was edge able up high and snow became softer corn while descending. Loose Wet avalanche debris was refrozen on the decent from several side chutes. There was evidence of very large avalanches on the Hwy 2 probably from the valentines day rain event. Good turns where there was no avalanche debris. Ice layer was just below the surface and felt on some turns. |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - Mt. Pinos Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190324 Comment - Toured from Pinos parking area to Sawmill summit and back. Coverage good on Pinos but bare patches are appearing on SE aspects of Sawmill with coverage about 60 percent--still skiable. Snow pit in Pinos First Meadow disclosed bulletproof snowpack approaching ice after 18 inches depth. Skiing involved a quarter inch (yes!) of turnable on top of firm crust on west-facing aspects in the morning, turning to nice corn in the afternoon. Pinos coverage makes skiing the WSW-to-SSW aspect of the Pinos side of the Pinos/Sawmill gully possible--an excellent run approaching 35 degrees. Unfortunately, we were only able to ascend it on the way back, but it should be attractive for the coming week before temps decrease coverage. |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - Kratka Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190322 Comment - Sky was clear at mountain low clouds below in the morning. Snow surface soft to crusty in top 3". firm and icy below. Snow was consolidated powder in areas to firm. Edging was great and turns were fun. By noon lower mountain was softening considerably and by 1:30 all surface snow had become wet and heavy. The corn factory is cranking up and spring snow should be here soon. Rapid warming was obvious as there was still snow on some trees from yesterdays storm. By late morning snow was falling from trees and creating small roller balls. surface snow at base area had free water in it. On the drive out fresh roller balls were seen along the rode side slopes due to warming and sun exposure. |
Observation type
Snowpack Location - Kratka Ridge Date (yyyymmdd) - 20190321 Comment - Good skiing. Snow got heavier around 1pm but snowing s-1 to s1 Through most of the morning. About 3 inches of new snow on top of the MF. And 25-30cms from last weeks storm. Roller balling and loose releases in steep terrain happening naturally by noon. Wind affect was minimal. Winds were mostly light. HS at 7400’ N aspect in wind drifted spot was 135cms. |
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 |
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
