Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with an avalanche advisory posted for January 29, 2008. There
   will be a presentation on safe travel techniques in avalanche terrain
   and a showing of the video "Know Before you Go" this Thursday evening.
   Come to the White Mountain Research Station in Bishop at 6 PM.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER
   Another storm is on tap to reach the eastern Sierra by mid day today.
   NWS Reno and the Las Vegas NWS offices have issued a wind advisory
   from noon today to 8 PM tonight. Low pressure moving through the area
   today will bring gusty southwest winds to all elevations in Mono and
   Inyo counties. Expect 40-50 mph winds along the 395 corridor with
   ridgetop winds exceeding 90 mph. The Owens Valley could see winds
   approaching 60 mph by this afternoon.

   The cold front associated with the low pressure system will bring some
   snow to the higher elevations, possibly up to 8 inches in Mono County.
   This is a quick moving system that will be east of the area by
   Wednesday morning. Wednesday will be cold and breezy.

   Daytime highs for the next two days will be in the low 20s in mountain
   areas. Lows will be around 9-12F.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   After a dramatic display of wind transport yesterday, we are due for
   more wind. Yesterdays winds were bad news for skiing and riding
   conditions and especially bad for avalanche danger. Billowing snow
   banners were moving snow downslope and upslope. Gullies were
   crossloaded from both directions. The snow transport yesterday was
   like watching big ocean waves. Wind gusts exceeding 100 mph were
   recorded on Mammoth Mountain and Mt. Warren. Most ridgetops are
   stripped off snow, especially the western aspects. That snow had to go
   somewhere besides the atmosphere and it probably ended up on the
   slopes we like to ski.

   This morning, winds continue to blow on exposed ridgetops. With a high
   wind advisory posted for later today, there will be no relief until
   Wednesday but winds will continue to be breezy. Welcome to winter.

   Cold temperatures act to slow down the snow strengthening process.
   This means the wind slabs that formed yesterday will be easy to
   trigger. If possible, use cornice drops to test slope stability. There
   may be nice powder in steep glades but you may have to cross wind
   slabs to reach the trees.

   BOTTOM LINE
   With the unusual heavy wind loading on most aspects, along with recent
   snowfall and natural avalanche activity, the avalanche danger rating
   for today is CONSIDERABLE. Heads up today- most avalanche accidents
   occur when the danger rating is CONSIDERABLE. Be aware you will
   probably trigger a slab avalanche on slopes greater than 35 degrees.
   Unstable slabs will be found on southern to northern aspects today.
   This danger rating applies to all elevations from 8,000 ft up to the
   highest ridgetops.

   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.