Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center. Mammoth Mountaineering Supply is the proud sponsor of todays
   advisory.

   An avalanche warning has been posted for the eastern Sierra
   backcountry from Sonora Pass to Cottonwood Pass. The avalanche danger
   is HIGH on all slopes. Natural and human triggered slides are likely.
   Since yesterday evening our area has received 12-18 of new snow
   accompanied by very strong westerly winds. The greatest avalanche
   danger today exists on wind loaded slopes where wind slabs could break
   out several feet deep.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER
   The winter storm warning will continue through most of the day for
   both Mono and Inyo counties. The eastern slopes of the southern Sierra
   from Bishop Creek south to Mt. Whitney have a high wind advisory for
   the rest of the day. Heavy snowfall will continue to fall today with
   another 12-18 expected in the mountains above 8,000 ft.

   Very strong west winds will continue today with sensors showing gusts
   from 50 to over 90 mph this morning. As the storm passes, cold north
   winds will dominate our weather for the next couple of days.
   Temperatures will drop a few degrees with highs in the teens above
   9,000 ft.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Snow sensors and observer reports show 1- 2 feet of snow and over 1.5
   of water have accumulated in the last 14 hours. Rock Creek Lodge
   picked up 16-18 over night with heavy snow continuing to fall.
   Crabtree Meadows picked up over 13 last night. As the storm moves
   south and east, the southern Sierra could pick up another foot by the
   end of today.

   Yesterdays stability tests in Rock Creek Canyon showed easy failures
   on wind drifted snow sitting on top of hard slabs. Reports from Bishop
   Creek showed moderate to hard results on one slope then easy to
   moderate on a nearby slope. With new snow and wind, the snowpack is
   very unstable and natural and human triggered avalanches are likely.
   Travel today in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Stick to lower
   elevation slopes less than 30 degrees. All north to east facing slopes
   in windloaded terrain have a HIGH danger rating. The avalanche danger
   will continue to be HIGH throughout the day.

   BOTTOM LINE
   With new snow and wind, the snowpack is very unstable and natural and
   human triggered avalanches are likely. Travel today in avalanche
   terrain is not recommended. Stick to lower elevation slopes less than
   30 degrees. All north to east facing slopes in windloaded terrain have
   a HIGH danger rating. The avalanche danger will continue to be HIGH
   throughout the day.

   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.