Snowpack Summary December 29,
2021
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:08am
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
We will begin posting regular snowpack summaries once we build up a snowpack.
The avalanche center website should be back up and running for the first of the year.
This is just a brief update in light of the forecasted weather that has begun this morning. For the San Gabriel Mountains the forecast for near 8,000’ predicts 2’ to 4’+ of new snow between now and tomorrow afternoon. This is a significant amount of snow in that short period of time. The other mountain ranges though forecast slightly lower amounts are still calling for 18” to 24” or more. We are preemptively issuing an Avalanche Watch to encourage everyone to have heightened awareness and be aware that avalanche danger will increase through the day should this forecast materialize. Along with heavy snow is moderate to strong Westerly to Southwesterly winds. With the cold temps and light snow Wind Slab Avalanches will build and develop through the storm on reward slopes SE,E,NE,N and possibly other aspects due to topographic influence and shifting winds. Use Bulls Eye Data to make your own assessments. Seeing heavy snow, deep snow, wind transporting snow and drifted pillowed snow all indicate that these concerns are real. There is a “WINTER STORM WARMING” in effect now until Dec. 31 4:00am.
Also consider travel into the mountains, with a significant storm travel will be difficult and hazardous. Many roads will be closed and access may be limited. Plan accordingly and have the equipment and skills to navigate winter mountain roads or stay home. Keep yourself and everyone else safe out there. The snow will be around for awhile.
Exercise avalanche safety any time you head into winter mountains. Always travel with a partner, carry a beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them.
If you venture out please submit your observations to the avalanche center. All the
weather links and reports pages are working. Any info is helpful.
2021
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:08am
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
We will begin posting regular snowpack summaries once we build up a snowpack.
The avalanche center website should be back up and running for the first of the year.
This is just a brief update in light of the forecasted weather that has begun this morning. For the San Gabriel Mountains the forecast for near 8,000’ predicts 2’ to 4’+ of new snow between now and tomorrow afternoon. This is a significant amount of snow in that short period of time. The other mountain ranges though forecast slightly lower amounts are still calling for 18” to 24” or more. We are preemptively issuing an Avalanche Watch to encourage everyone to have heightened awareness and be aware that avalanche danger will increase through the day should this forecast materialize. Along with heavy snow is moderate to strong Westerly to Southwesterly winds. With the cold temps and light snow Wind Slab Avalanches will build and develop through the storm on reward slopes SE,E,NE,N and possibly other aspects due to topographic influence and shifting winds. Use Bulls Eye Data to make your own assessments. Seeing heavy snow, deep snow, wind transporting snow and drifted pillowed snow all indicate that these concerns are real. There is a “WINTER STORM WARMING” in effect now until Dec. 31 4:00am.
Also consider travel into the mountains, with a significant storm travel will be difficult and hazardous. Many roads will be closed and access may be limited. Plan accordingly and have the equipment and skills to navigate winter mountain roads or stay home. Keep yourself and everyone else safe out there. The snow will be around for awhile.
Exercise avalanche safety any time you head into winter mountains. Always travel with a partner, carry a beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them.
If you venture out please submit your observations to the avalanche center. All the
weather links and reports pages are working. Any info is helpful.
