Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with an avalanche advisory posted on Friday morning, March 14,
   2008.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   After a rainy/showery early spring day yesterday, today will be colder
   with scattered snow showers. Morning temperatures are running about
   8-10 degrees colder than yesterday. The west winds will diminish
   somewhat to the 20-25 mph range with higher elevations above 9,000 ft
   continuing to see wind gusts to 50 mph. The top of Mammoth Mountain had
   wind gusts over 80 mph yesterday, exceeded only by a 110 mph wind gust
   on Chair 1.

   The Mammoth Lakes, Aspendell and June Lake communities will see highs
   today around 30F with tonight getting quite cold with lows around
   12-15. Scattered snow showers will drop an inch here and there but no
   real accumulation is expected throughout the weekend. Elevations above
   10,000 ft will return to winter with highs in the low 20s and lows in
   the single digits. No problems with poor refreezing of the snowpack for
   the next few days and nights as high elevation lows could be as low as
   0 F.

   This disorganized storm will create windy and snowy conditions. It is
   basically a spring nuisance storm with little accumulation, 3 feet of
   wind and winter temperatures. The only chance for accumulations greater
   than a few inches is for the Lee Vining and June Lake areas on Saturday
   afternoon and evening when upslope snow could exceed 6 inches.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Over the last two days, the snowpack in some areas is showing signs of
   melt. Several warm nights along with sunny days created surface melt on
   many southern and east facing aspects. These slopes are easily
   recognizable due to the long runnels just under the snow surface that
   add a patterned look to the snow. Yesterday the snow was melting enough
   to increase the flow in Hot Creek from 40 to 60 cfs.

   This high rate of melt occurred despite the lack of sunny skies and is
   due to a warm and cloudy atmosphere with heat energy transferred from
   the air to the snow surface. Strong winds help maintain the process for
   most of the day. The fact that many areas have not seen freezing night
   time temperatures have brought snowpack temperatures up to the freezing
   point so it doesnt take much energy to melt snow.

   The snowpack is getting a good freeze now and the wet snow avalanche
   danger is gone for a few days. With some snow transported from strong
   west winds, there will be isolated areas right under steep ridgelines
   with deposits of wind drifted snow.

   High elevation northerly aspects, that remain unaffected by solar
   radiation are still very much in winter skiing conditions. Isolated
   weak pillows of wind drifted snow can be found on lee features.

   BOTTOM LINE
   The avalanche danger rating for today is LOW on all aspects from 9,500
   ft to the alpine ridgetops. There are pockets of MODERATE danger on
   steep, east to north facing slopes great than 35 degrees.

   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.