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Snowpack Summary March 9, 2024
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:11 am (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
We have limited field information at this time. Expect variable surface conditions with firm and icy surfaces likely in many areas. Small windslabs will be possible on Easterly aspects SE, E to NE and may be found on other aspects due to variable winds during and following the last storm. Look for signs of wind scouring, cornices, textured snow surfaces and firm, pillowed, hollow sounding snow to point to wind slab development. Use wind sheltered terrain to avoid this problem and bring equipment to manage the variable conditions. Wet loos avalanches will become possible in the afternoon with warm temperatures and sun exposure on NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, & NW through the day as the sun travels through the cardinal points. Look for signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls and pinwheels along with sinking into what was firmer snow to boot top depth. Move to less sun exposed slopes and slopes below 30° to avoid this problem as it develops.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out share any information you gather to [email protected] as our observation page has been malfunctioning.
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 6:11 am (this summary expires in 24 hours)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
We have limited field information at this time. Expect variable surface conditions with firm and icy surfaces likely in many areas. Small windslabs will be possible on Easterly aspects SE, E to NE and may be found on other aspects due to variable winds during and following the last storm. Look for signs of wind scouring, cornices, textured snow surfaces and firm, pillowed, hollow sounding snow to point to wind slab development. Use wind sheltered terrain to avoid this problem and bring equipment to manage the variable conditions. Wet loos avalanches will become possible in the afternoon with warm temperatures and sun exposure on NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, & NW through the day as the sun travels through the cardinal points. Look for signs of wet snow instability such as roller balls and pinwheels along with sinking into what was firmer snow to boot top depth. Move to less sun exposed slopes and slopes below 30° to avoid this problem as it develops.
We are still operating on very limited on the ground data. If you are venturing out share any information you gather to [email protected] as our observation page has been malfunctioning.
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.
Firm and Icy Surfaces firm and icy surfaces can cause long slide for life
scenarios. Travel can be difficult to vary dangerous. Self arrest may be
difficult to impossible. Micro spikes are not recommended for these
conditions. Ice Axe and Crampons with proper training and skill are
necessary tools for travel in these conditions. A slip and fall on these
surfaces can lead to a long slide with tragic results.
scenarios. Travel can be difficult to vary dangerous. Self arrest may be
difficult to impossible. Micro spikes are not recommended for these
conditions. Ice Axe and Crampons with proper training and skill are
necessary tools for travel in these conditions. A slip and fall on these
surfaces can lead to a long slide with tragic results.
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
Following last weekends storm and the mid week system that came through we have a mix of conditions out there. Reports of heavy wet snow to light snow up high plus riming and ice, you can expect to find the full gamut of surfaces. Going into last weekend we followed a warm dry spell which created a solid surface crust that is now buried. Moderate winds for Wednesday / Thursday with light snowfall will have created small windslabs below ridges and along gullies on Easterly aspects but could be found on any aspect, due to variable winds and topographical influences. These avalanches will not be large enough to bury you but can sweep you off your feet in consequential terrain. Be aware of where you are and what is below you as you travel/ ride in the mountains. With overnight temperatures just below freezing and highs forecast in the 40's F during the day wet snow instabilities will become likely especially on solar affected slopes. Watch for significant surface softening through the day as you travel. This will contribute to fast firm conditions on the same aspects in the mornings as surface snow refreezes overnight. Be prepared for variable surfaces each day and expect spring like conditions to develop.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful. Submit observations to socalsnow.org as our observation page is malfunctioning.
Following last weekends storm and the mid week system that came through we have a mix of conditions out there. Reports of heavy wet snow to light snow up high plus riming and ice, you can expect to find the full gamut of surfaces. Going into last weekend we followed a warm dry spell which created a solid surface crust that is now buried. Moderate winds for Wednesday / Thursday with light snowfall will have created small windslabs below ridges and along gullies on Easterly aspects but could be found on any aspect, due to variable winds and topographical influences. These avalanches will not be large enough to bury you but can sweep you off your feet in consequential terrain. Be aware of where you are and what is below you as you travel/ ride in the mountains. With overnight temperatures just below freezing and highs forecast in the 40's F during the day wet snow instabilities will become likely especially on solar affected slopes. Watch for significant surface softening through the day as you travel. This will contribute to fast firm conditions on the same aspects in the mornings as surface snow refreezes overnight. Be prepared for variable surfaces each day and expect spring like conditions to develop.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful. Submit observations to socalsnow.org as our observation page is malfunctioning.
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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.
