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Snowpack Summary February 23, 2024
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:30 pm (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
Wet Loose Avalanches will be likely following several days of warming combined with tonights and tomorrow nights temperatures remaining above freezing at or above 8,000'. These avalanches could be large as was reported today in the Baldy Bowl. Expect to find these avalanches on E,SE,S,SW & W slopes at all elevations still holding snow. They can be possible on the Northerly aspects as we continue with warm days and no overnight freezing. Look for signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls emanating from rocks, Wet soft snow surfaces and boots sinking into boot top depth. These are all signs of wet snow instability. If you encounter these conditions move to lower angle slopes and areas that are sheltered from solar input.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out share any information you gather through the observation page. Submit Reports page.
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:30 pm (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
Wet Loose Avalanches will be likely following several days of warming combined with tonights and tomorrow nights temperatures remaining above freezing at or above 8,000'. These avalanches could be large as was reported today in the Baldy Bowl. Expect to find these avalanches on E,SE,S,SW & W slopes at all elevations still holding snow. They can be possible on the Northerly aspects as we continue with warm days and no overnight freezing. Look for signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls emanating from rocks, Wet soft snow surfaces and boots sinking into boot top depth. These are all signs of wet snow instability. If you encounter these conditions move to lower angle slopes and areas that are sheltered from solar input.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out share any information you gather through the observation page. Submit Reports page.
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.
General discussion
Follow several warm days and the beginning of no overnight freezing Wet Loose avalanches will be our biggest concern. This will continue through the weekend until the next storm system moves in next week with colder temperatures. Fast firm conditions will be possible especially at the higher elevations where the snow surface may refreeze. Travel cautiously and be prepared for variable conditions. Expect the potential for slide for life scenarios in the early morning as this is one of our biggest hazards in the so cal mountains. As the day warms and sun effects the snow fast transitions on solar aspects will be likely. Be aware of starting out on firm snow and finding yourself sinking into boot top depth. Watch for rolling balls emanating from rocks and outcroppings as these are all signs of wet snow instability. Move to lower angle terrain and to areas sheltered from the solar input.
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.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful. Submit observations to Submit Reports page.
Follow several warm days and the beginning of no overnight freezing Wet Loose avalanches will be our biggest concern. This will continue through the weekend until the next storm system moves in next week with colder temperatures. Fast firm conditions will be possible especially at the higher elevations where the snow surface may refreeze. Travel cautiously and be prepared for variable conditions. Expect the potential for slide for life scenarios in the early morning as this is one of our biggest hazards in the so cal mountains. As the day warms and sun effects the snow fast transitions on solar aspects will be likely. Be aware of starting out on firm snow and finding yourself sinking into boot top depth. Watch for rolling balls emanating from rocks and outcroppings as these are all signs of wet snow instability. Move to lower angle terrain and to areas sheltered from the solar input.
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.
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
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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.
