Good morning, this is Sue Burak of the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
   with an avalanche advisory posted on Monday March 17, 2008.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   Today will be the final day of winter weather before spring arrives
   later in the week. High temperatures will climb to the low 30s at the
   9,000 ft elevation and tonights lows will be in the upper 20s.
   Northeast winds will continue today, with gusts in the 40 mph range.
   Winds are gusting this morning in the 20-30 mph range on Tioga Pass,
   Ellery Lake and Lake Sabrina. The top of Mammoth Mountain has had
   average hourly speeds in the 80 mph range since 5 PM yesterday evening.
   Morning temperatures are running in the 10-13F range.

   By Tuesday, high temperatures could return to the 40s with west winds.
   The rest of the week will be dry, with some wind as systems pass to the
   north.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Snowfall accumulations in the Mammoth and June Lake areas range from 6-
   8 inches of new snow with wind drifts up to 2 feet. The north winds
   created wind drifts from the 8,500 ft elevation up to 10,500 ft in the
   Lakes Basin. As usual, the June Mountain area was spared the relentless
   north wind, though it is a sure bet the high alpine terrain around the
   Negatives did get wind loaded. Reports from the Rock Creek area
   indicate about 4 inches of new snow fell in wind sheltered terrain with
   occasional 6-8 inch drifts.

   Yesterday, we did not see any natural avalanche activity except for a
   few sluffs below cliff bands. Stuffblock tests failed at drop heights
   of 30 cm which is similar to a Rutschblock score of 4.

   The avalanche danger rating today is LOW on all non wind loaded
   terrain. With the winds of the last few days blowing snow onto both
   north and southern aspects, the avalanche danger rating is MODERATE on
   steep north and southern aspects with fresh deposits of wind drifted
   snow. Small, human triggered slab avalanches in storm snow are possible
   in steep terrain greater than 35 degrees.

   BOTTOM LINE

   The avalanche danger rating today is LOW on all non wind loaded
   terrain. With the winds of the last few days blowing snow onto both
   north and southern aspects, the avalanche danger rating is MODERATE on
   steep north and southern aspects with fresh deposits of wind drifted
   snow. Small, human triggered slab avalanches in storm snow are possible
   in steep terrain greater 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.