Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Eastern Sierra Avalanche
   Center with an avalanche advisory posted for April 1, 2008.

   SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

   With local media attention on a well known local photographer and an
   out of area extreme skier skiing the 14,000 ft peaks in the Sierra, it
   is important to be aware of the Bighorn Sheep closures this time of
   year in the southern Sierra.

   Access to Mt. Williamson via George Creek or the southeast ridge is
   open from April 15 to May 15. This closure affects guided and private
   parties. The daily entry quota for day use or overnight trips is six
   people per day during this time. This means skiers and riders must have
   a wilderness permit, in fact, it is illegal to be in the Zoological
   Area without a wilderness permit. It is also illegal to have a dog in
   the Zoological Area. The Shepherd Pass approach to Mt. Williamson is
   open until July 15.

   The Zoological Area extends from Mt Perkins south to Mt. Williamson and
   includes Sawmill Pass, Mt. Baxter, Diamond Peak, Mt. Mary Austin to
   Dragon Peak. The area from Mt. Perkins south the Dragon Peak does not
   have any winter/spring closures but a wilderness permit is required to
   be in the area. These areas are marked on the USFS wilderness map, "A
   Guide to the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia-Kings Canyon Wilderness."

   With increased use in the Zoological area and the designation of
   bighorn sheep critical habitat by the Fish and Wildlife Service, the
   Forest Service is taking violations of closures more seriously than in
   the past. Please check with the local Forest Service office in Bishop
   or Lone PIne if you plan to visit these areas. There is a $500 fine or
   imprisonment for six months or less, or both.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   Temperatures today will climb a few degrees to the low 40s at the 9,000
   to 9,500 ft elevation. Tioga Pass had a high of 42 F while to the
   south, Gem Pass at 10,7000 ft reached 35 F. Elevations above 11,000 ft
   will continue to be cold with highs around 20 F and lows in the teens.

   Due to the split flow pattern, the mountains from Pine Creek south
   could see more snowfall accumulation than Mammoth north to Virginia
   Lake. The chances for precipitation are 60% for Mono and Inyo County
   mountains on Wednesday with several inches of new snow expected.
   Southwest winds will increase this afternoon but no wind watches or
   warnings are expected. By Wednesday, the splits in the jet stream are
   supposed to merge resulting in as one forecaster wrote, a fairly high
   probability of measurable precipitation but low probability of
   significant amounts. After the storm passes on Thursday, expect dry
   conditions and a gradual warming trend to the weekend.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Snowfall amounts from the weekend weather range from 6 inches at the
   study plot on Sesame Street to 5 inches at Leavitt Lake, Bishop Pass
   and Charlotte Lake. With the weekend snowfall, March 2008 had only a
   few inches more snowfall than March 2007.

   The weekend snow sluffed easily yesterday, running on the old frozen
   surface. With todays clear skies, calm winds in the morning and warming
   temperatures, expect point release slides on east, south and west
   facing slopes above 9,500 ft in the backcountry. There continues to be
   isolated pockets of wind drifted snow on northern aspects above 10,000
   ft. that will be easy to kick loose with a well placed ski cut.

   BOTTOM LINE

   For today, the avalanche danger rating is MODERATE in steep, high
   elevation north facing terrain greater than 35 degrees. The avalanche
   danger rating rises to MODERATE in steep east to west terrain from
   9,000 to 11,000 ft, especially around ridgetops and rock outcrops where
   natural point release wet slides will occur this afternoon. In all
   other terrain, the avalanche danger rating is LOW.

   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.