Good morning, this is Sue Burak from the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with an avalanche advisory posted for Saturday, February 2,
   2008. 
   MOUNTAIN WEATHER
   Different day, same ol stuff. The final storm in the January parade of
   storms charges into the eastern Sierra Saturday.

   West northwesterly winds from last night have shifted to the west. By
   mid day, clouds and wind associated with the storm will move into the
   area. Winds will increase from 20-30 mph to 40-50 mph by afternoon,
   with ridgetop gusts over 100 mph by late Saturday into Sunday. Winds
   are not expected to be as strong as the Tuesday event, but ask the
   Caltrans plow drivers after this is all over. The 8,000 to 9,000 ft
   elevations will reach highs in the low to mid 20s today. Higher
   elevations will be chilly with highs in the teens. Low temperatures
   will be in the low teens and single digits above 10,000 ft.

   A winter storm warning will be in effect from 7 PM today through 7 PM
   Sunday night. Heavy snowfall is probable Saturday night and Sunday.
   Above 8,500 ft, one to two feet of snow is expected, with around 6
   inches expected for the 7,000 ft valleys. With west winds, lake effect
   snow is not expected. For the Bishop Creek area and south, the Las
   Vegas NWS office has issued a winter storm watch for 8-16 inches of
   snow possible above 9,000 ft. Strong and gusty west to northwest winds
   will develop and produce blowing and drifting snow. Snowfall and wind
   is expected to taper off by late Sunday afternoon and evening. Dry,
   clear weather is on tap for next week.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION
   Friday was another cold and windy day with lots of wind transport. We
   have not had a break from the wind for a week. Wind has been
   transporting snow just about everywhere so look for fresh wind slabs
   on a variety of terrain features and aspects. Hard wind slabs can be
   expected on all lee slopes which includes northwest to southeast
   aspects.

   Because we had such an extensive wind event and wind loading occurred
   in unusual places, continue to look for hard, drum like wind slabs
   that may sound hollow, especially in high alpine terrain or beneath
   scoured ridgelines.

   Wind loading is a common denominator in most avalanche accidents. Wind
   can deposit snow 10 times more rapidly than snow falling from the sky.
   Moreover, wind-drifted snow is ground up by bouncing along the snow
   surface and when it comes to a rest it is often much denser than
   non-wind loaded snow. Wind drifted snow not only adds significant
   weight on top of old surfaces but it forms a slab that can propagate a
   fracture very easily. Wind can turn very safe snow into very dangerous
   snow in a matter of minutes.

   Keep it real today. That means make good decisions by carefully
   selecting terrain, not just center punching what ever you feel like.
   As you climb into steeper terrain, spread out and ski across slopes
   one at a time. Take the time to probe with your pole and dig hand
   pits. There is an abundance of cornices along ridgetops- cornice drops
   are a great way to test snow stability without putting yourself on a
   suspect slope.

   BOTTOM LINE
   Today the avalanche danger is estimated to be CONSIDERABLE in wind
   loaded terrain. Strong and gusty winds yesterday created wind slabs on
   exposed slopes at a variety of elevations. Unstable hard and soft
   slabs are widespread in steep exposed terrain above tree line. Winds
   should be less severe today but will be strong enough to continue to
   build wind drifts along upper elevation ridgelines. The avalanche
   danger rating is MODERATE in non wind loaded terrain.

   The avalanche danger will increase tonight and tomorrow as heavy
   snowfall and strong winds move into the high country.

   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.