/-p-
 Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Inyo National Forest
   Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center with an avalanche advisory for
   Saturday, May 3, 2008.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   Clouds moved in yesterday afternoon and light rain fell along the 395
   corridor and the mountains from Sonora Pass south to around Carson
   Peak. The rain and very light snowfall was caused by a weak shortwave
   dropping in from the Pacific Northwest. The same weather will occur
   today as another shortwave drops south. Clouds will move in later in
   the day. With relative humiditys already higher this morning than
   yesterday, expect more rain and snow to fall above 10,000 ft., mostly
   north of Mammoth. By Sunday, a final shortwave could produce thunder
   and more widespread showers.

   Skies will be cloudy in the afternoon and evening. High temperatures
   will be in the upper 30s and low 40s above 9,500 ft. By Sunday, a more
   organized storm moves in and there is a 30% chance of snow above 10,000
   ft. from Mammoth northward.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Light rain fell on the snowpack late yesterday from Carson Peak north.
   Morning temperatures are in the low to mid 20s which means there was a
   solid freeze last night. As cloud cover increases this afternoon, there
   will be more water vapor in the air and the snowpack will get
   additional energy to melt. With forecasted highs in the low 40s for
   elevations above 10,000 ft, the snow could get soft and mushy by 1 PM.
   There has been more wet slide activity over the last few days and I
   expect this to continue today and tomorrow. The mountains south of
   Mammoth are less likely to receive rain or snow but will experience
   cloud cover and increased snowmelt.

   For today, the avalanche danger rating is LOW in the morning,
   increasing to MODERATE on all steep aspects, particularly northern
   aspects that have just recently started to warm. Pay attention if you
   are skiing or riding in the Tioga Pass, Virginia Lakes and Bridgeport
   areas where the most precipitation will occur.

   BOTTOM LINE
   For today, the avalanche danger rating is LOW in the morning,
   increasing to MODERATE on all steep aspects, particularly northern
   aspects that have just recently started to warm. Pay attention if you
   are skiing or riding in the Tioga Pass, Virginia Lakes and Bridgeport
   areas where the most precipitation will occur.

   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.