Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with a Backcountry Avalanche Warning from the Sonora Pass to
   the Mt,Whitney area for January 6, 2008.

   Avalanche danger today is HIGH in the backcountry from Sonora Pass to
   Mt. Whitney. Another 16-20 inches of new snow containing up to 2
   inches of water has fallen overnight. Since Friday morning, three to
   five feet of new snow has fallen and more snow is expected today at
   elevations above 9,000 feet. Strong winds from the southwest and south
   have been blowing for the last three days, creating widespread areas
   of wind drifted snow and dangerous wind slabs on all aspects.

   Avoid travel in avalanche terrain and stay off of and out from under
   steep slopes and obvious or historic avalanche paths.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER
   The Winter Storm Warning is still in effect until 7 PM this evening.
   This is a possibility of a period of heavy snow later today, though
   forecasters expect snow showers and some clearing today. Mountain
   locations will see highs today in the low 20s and lows tonight around
   10F. West to southwest winds continue to blow in the 20-40 mph range.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION
   The snowfall from the last two days comes with a couple of avalanche
   concerns. Strong winds have drifted the new snow into large and deep
   drifts and soft wind slabs that a skier will likely trigger. The
   drifting snow has also added a large amount of weight to the snowpack
   on wind loaded slopes. The weight of the new snow could trigger
   natural avalanches that might break all the way down to the old snow
   surface. Recall we had firm hard wind board before the storm came in.
   Soft slab avalanches in the 2 foot deep are likely also.

   Mammoth Mountain had some very large and destructive avalanches
   occurring during the storm. This morning, numerous avalanches have
   been released with ski cuts and hand charges- after explosive control
   of the slopes. Though the Mountain is not the backcountry, the fact
   that ski cutting is releasing slab avalanches after explosives control
   is a very good indication that a skier or rider could trigger a large
   slide in the Sherwins or the Mammoth Crest today.

   As one of my forecaster colleagues wrote today from the Sawtooth
   National Forest, "youre nuts if you travel on or below slopes greater
   than 30 degrees. Low angle terrain is the call of the day".

   BOTTOM LINE
   The avalanche danger today is HIGH. Natural and human triggered
   avalanches are likely. Unstable slabs are likely on a variety of
   aspects and slope angles. Travel in avalanche terrain is not
   recommended. The safest travel routes are on windward ridges of lower
   angle slopes without steeper terrain above.

   Please note that the avalanche danger rating in this advisory expires
   in 24 hours. This advisory is our best interpretation of snow pack
   conditions and NWS forecasts issued today. Backcountry travelers
   should be aware that elevation and geographic distinctions are
   approximate and that a transition zone exists between upper and lower
   elevations.

   Avalanches do not happen by accident and most human involvement is a
   matter of choice not chance. Most avalanche accidents are caused by
   slab avalanches that are triggered by the victim of member of the
   victim's party. Even small slides can be dangerous. Always practice
   route finding skills and carry avalanche rescue gear. Remember that
   avalanche danger ratings are only general guidelines. Distinctions
   between geographic areas, elevations, slope aspects and slope angles
   should be made.