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Snowpack Summary February 10, 2024
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:16 am (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
Reports are up to and over 4' of snow at our higher elevations. Light snow and moderate to strong northerly winds will keep wind slab on our problem list. Wind Slabs will be possible and developing through the day on Southerly aspects but can be possible on any aspect due to the topological influences in our mountains. Watch for and avoid pillow like smooth surfaces below ridges, on side of gullies and at convex rollovers. Storm slabs should be settling out but will remain possible due to recent snowfall for the next 24 hours or so. Avoid slopes 30° and over until this problem settles. Check very small test slopes and use hand shears to see of this problem exists in the area you are at. Travel cautiously and continuously make observations of the terrain you are in. There were reports of several natural avalanches in the Baldy Bowl 2 days ago. Look for those obvious signs such as recent avalanches to guide your choices.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out make your own assessments, dig in the snowpack to see what may be lurking below and share any information you gather through the observation page.
Read the general concerns below for more advice and managing the early season conditions we still have.
If you are out there please share your observations with us at the avalanche center Submit Reports page.
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:16 am (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
Reports are up to and over 4' of snow at our higher elevations. Light snow and moderate to strong northerly winds will keep wind slab on our problem list. Wind Slabs will be possible and developing through the day on Southerly aspects but can be possible on any aspect due to the topological influences in our mountains. Watch for and avoid pillow like smooth surfaces below ridges, on side of gullies and at convex rollovers. Storm slabs should be settling out but will remain possible due to recent snowfall for the next 24 hours or so. Avoid slopes 30° and over until this problem settles. Check very small test slopes and use hand shears to see of this problem exists in the area you are at. Travel cautiously and continuously make observations of the terrain you are in. There were reports of several natural avalanches in the Baldy Bowl 2 days ago. Look for those obvious signs such as recent avalanches to guide your choices.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out make your own assessments, dig in the snowpack to see what may be lurking below and share any information you gather through the observation page.
Read the general concerns below for more advice and managing the early season conditions we still have.
If you are out there please share your observations with us at the avalanche center Submit Reports page.
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.
Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-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 Concerns
Obstacles and low snow coverage will be the biggest hazard at this time. As snow fallows and accumulates small avalanches can sweep you off you feet and carry you into dire situations. Be aware of changing snow conditions and what is below you as you move through the mountains.
Some things to keep in mind while traveling in the mountains with changing weather conditions on a daily basis:
Storm Slab - This can follow immediately after receiving fresh snow from a significant storm. Storm Slabs can linger for a couple of days before settling and will depend on weather conditions. These will be possible on all aspects and elevations will depend upon snowline and snow amounts. The easiest way to manage this problem is to stay off slopes over 30° especially at higher elevations until snow has a chance to settle.
Wind Slab - These conditions can develop below ridglines and on sides of gullies on the leeward sides. Look for wind pillowing and wind scouring to indicate where wind deposits are forming. This type of problem can develop during storms with moderate winds and following snow fall during wind events as long as snow remains light and can be transported by wind. General wind directions can indicate where these conditions will develop but topographical influence can change local wind effects on the slope scale. again use terrain as your tool to mitigate exposure by avoiding areas over 30° and leeward zones below ridges and on sides of gullies.
Wet Loose – This can happen in our climate very quickly following a storm cycle especially with the warmer systems we are seeing so far this season. Significant warming and little to no overnight freezes will increase the chance of Wet snow instability. Start early and finish early while avoiding solar affected slopes. Watch for signs of wet snow as you travel and the day warms. Starting on firm snow that gives way to sinking to boot top depth is a sign of wet snow instability. Look for roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rock outcroppings and move to lower angel terrain and less solar affected aspects if you see these signs. Wet Loose avalanches will not generally bury you but can knock you off your feet and carry you through or over nasty terrain features with cataclysmic results. Be aware what is below you and rapidly changing snow conditions.
Fast Firm conditions – are possible on all aspects especially at upper elevations following below freezing overnight temperatures. These conditions will pose the risk of slide for life scenario especially following a warmer period. This hazard is the most prominent cause for rescues in our local mountains especially areas such as the Baldy Bowl. A slip and fall can result in an uncontrollable slide with potential catastrophic results. Be sure to bring proper equipment (ice axe & crampons) with the skills to use them before committing to steep firm slopes. Be aware of snow surfaces you are traveling and changes as you move through different aspects and elevations as well as what is below you. Change terrain if these conditions develop before you find yourself in a situation you can’t retreat from.
Exercise caution if venturing out into the mountains and use avalanche protocols, travel with a partner and bring your beacon, shovel and probe.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful. Submit observations to Submit Reports page.
Obstacles and low snow coverage will be the biggest hazard at this time. As snow fallows and accumulates small avalanches can sweep you off you feet and carry you into dire situations. Be aware of changing snow conditions and what is below you as you move through the mountains.
Some things to keep in mind while traveling in the mountains with changing weather conditions on a daily basis:
Storm Slab - This can follow immediately after receiving fresh snow from a significant storm. Storm Slabs can linger for a couple of days before settling and will depend on weather conditions. These will be possible on all aspects and elevations will depend upon snowline and snow amounts. The easiest way to manage this problem is to stay off slopes over 30° especially at higher elevations until snow has a chance to settle.
Wind Slab - These conditions can develop below ridglines and on sides of gullies on the leeward sides. Look for wind pillowing and wind scouring to indicate where wind deposits are forming. This type of problem can develop during storms with moderate winds and following snow fall during wind events as long as snow remains light and can be transported by wind. General wind directions can indicate where these conditions will develop but topographical influence can change local wind effects on the slope scale. again use terrain as your tool to mitigate exposure by avoiding areas over 30° and leeward zones below ridges and on sides of gullies.
Wet Loose – This can happen in our climate very quickly following a storm cycle especially with the warmer systems we are seeing so far this season. Significant warming and little to no overnight freezes will increase the chance of Wet snow instability. Start early and finish early while avoiding solar affected slopes. Watch for signs of wet snow as you travel and the day warms. Starting on firm snow that gives way to sinking to boot top depth is a sign of wet snow instability. Look for roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rock outcroppings and move to lower angel terrain and less solar affected aspects if you see these signs. Wet Loose avalanches will not generally bury you but can knock you off your feet and carry you through or over nasty terrain features with cataclysmic results. Be aware what is below you and rapidly changing snow conditions.
Fast Firm conditions – are possible on all aspects especially at upper elevations following below freezing overnight temperatures. These conditions will pose the risk of slide for life scenario especially following a warmer period. This hazard is the most prominent cause for rescues in our local mountains especially areas such as the Baldy Bowl. A slip and fall can result in an uncontrollable slide with potential catastrophic results. Be sure to bring proper equipment (ice axe & crampons) with the skills to use them before committing to steep firm slopes. Be aware of snow surfaces you are traveling and changes as you move through different aspects and elevations as well as what is below you. Change terrain if these conditions develop before you find yourself in a situation you can’t retreat from.
Exercise caution if venturing out into the mountains and use avalanche protocols, travel with a partner and bring your beacon, shovel and probe.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful. Submit observations to Submit Reports page.
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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
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
Latest Observtions
Click on the observation to go to the full report
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Observation type
Snowpack Location - Angeles Crest Date (yyyymmdd) -20230505 Comment May 5th, 2023.. Cinco De Mayo report on Angeles Crest.. NE aspect @ 8,000’ 15cm new snow Total snow depth. 195cm NE aspect @ 8500’ 20 cm new snow Total snow depth. 215cm N aspect @ 8800’ 35cm new snow Total snow depth. No bottom >280cm N aspect @ 9400’ 45-55cm new snow Total snow depth. No bottom >280cm Before 11-1200 snow was surprisingly light, dry but transitioning fast, and by 1400 it was rollerball and pinwheel city. Evidence of wet slides below 8k on east aspects affected by long hours in the sun. Temps were downright cold early, cool and mild mid day, but high May sun angle cooked the snow quick, and above 8k is now turned to hot pow and below 8k was lovely mank. |
Observation type -
Snowpack Location - Mt. Burnham - San Gabriels Date (yyyymmdd) - 20230423 Comment - April 22-23 2023 Long hauled 9 miles west of big pines for an overnight trip on the closed ACH. PCT hikers have just started to come through the area leaving somewhat of a worn path through still extremely deep avalanche run outs over the bench of ACH. The highway is still remarkably buried deep from BP to our destination 3 miles west of VG and beyond. Deepest is approx 25’+ under MB, which leads me to believe that we may not see ACH open until mid summer or not at all. The myriad of avalanche debris that are just now revealing themselves through the spring thaw is extensive and impressive. Above average temps and little to no refreeze below 9k yielded variable snow surfaces from hard fast firm to shin/knee penetration, even with ascension plates. Shallow glide cracks near and between steeper rock outcroppings were observed on some of the steeper north aspects approx 3-4’ deep. Wet loose instability was observed over the warm weekend will only small rider triggered slides no longer than the width of our boards on descent, and none of which ran further than 10-15’. There are still overhanging cornices that have yet to fail even under the late April sun angle and warm temps. Great corn to harvest when your descents are timed well. |
Observation type
Avalanche Location - Mt. Baldy Bowl Date (yyyymmdd) - 20230423 Comment - Wet loose debris noted toward skiers right of Baldy bowl. Another hiker told me he saw the avalanche happen around 6am. Fairly small and not destructive, but still something you wouldn’t want to be caught in. |
Observation type
Avalanche Location - Telegraph Peak Date (yyyymmdd) - 20230402 Comment - This wet slide occurred 4-11 afternoon @ 1:30 pm enroute to ski Telegraph peak. We had left the top of chair 3 and I was traversing towards The saddle of Telegraph peak when a significant crack occurred under my skis. I was able to maintain a traverse towards the trees and avoided getting caught! I thought it might be useful information if anyone is going to be skiing in the Telegraph peak area. |
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.
