Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with an avalanche advisory posted for Sunday, March 16, 2008.

   There will be two more events this season. I will be talking about the
   Madden Julian Oscillation and the energy balance of the snowpack at the
   White Mountain Research Station in Bishop. Dates and times will be
   posted this week.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   After a cold and windy day Saturday, today wont be much different with
   snow showers expected off and on until mid day. Daytime highs will
   reach the mid 20s at the 8,000 and 9,000 ft elevations. Higher
   elevations will be cold with highs in the teens. As strong north and
   northeast winds continue throughout the day, wind chills will be in the
   single digits. Expect little if any, snow to accumulate.

   There is a High Wind Watch in effect from this morning until tonight
   for the eastern slopes of the Sierra, the Owens Valley and White
   Mountains. North winds between 20 and 30 mph with gust to 45 mph are
   likely on Sunday with occasionally gusts in the 60 mph range.

   The upcoming week will be mostly sunny and dry with storms passing to
   the north of the area. Longer range forecasts show a change to a wet
   and very active weather pattern the last week of March into April. The
   Madden Julian Oscillation is returning though it is too far out to know
   if our area will receive significant snowfall. If the current MJO
   behaves like the December and January events, there is a good chance
   there will be a return to winter.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Since Thursday, about 4-7 inches of new snow has accumulated at
   elevations above 9,000 ft from Leavitt Lake to Rock Creek. South of
   Rock Creek only an inch or so has fallen. Winds over the last two days
   have moved snow around to both southern and northern aspects. North
   winds can strip ridgetops but also can eddy and deposit snow onto north
   facing slopes, especially in sheltered gullies and couloirs.

   Not much snow has fallen but it is dry and light and has fallen on old
   crusts, hard wind slabs and recrystallized faceted snow above 10,000
   ft.

   Any periods of direct sun today will make the snow on steep southeast
   and south facing slopes moist with a possibility of point release wet
   sluffs.

   The avalanche danger rating today is LOW on all aspects below 9,000 ft.
   The avalanche danger rating is LOW above 9,000 ft in none wind loaded
   terrain. The avalanche danger rating is MODERATE on steep south to
   north facing slopes with deposits of wind drifted snow.

   BOTTOM LINE
   The avalanche danger rating today is LOW on all aspects below 9,000 ft.
   The avalanche danger rating is LOW above 9,000 ft in none wind loaded
   terrain. The avalanche danger rating is MODERATE on steep south to
   north facing slopes with deposits of wind drifted snow.

   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.