Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Inyo National Forest Eastern
   Sierra Avalanche Center with an advisory posted for Thursday, May 15,
   2008.

   Thanks to all of you who took the time to write a letter of support.
   Most of the letters came from out of the area, with a couple coming
   from back east. Look for your letters in the 2008 annual report which
   will be coming out in mid June.

   The end of advisory posting is nearing. Advisories will end next
   weekend after Memorial Day.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   The well advertised warm-up has begun. Temperatures at 6 AM are well
   above freezing, with Main Lodge reporting a morning low of 41 F. Tioga
   Pass at 10,000 ft is already 37 F with gusty winds. Winds have been
   gusting to 100 mph on the top of the mountain with Ellery Lake and Lake
   Sabrina reporting gusts over 50 mph.

   After one final windy day in the alpine regions today, Friday and the
   weekend will have relatively calm winds unless you happen to be in the
   vicinity of a thunderstorm Saturday night. Highs will reach 60 F above
   10,000ft., and highs above 13,000 ft will reach close to 50 F. Lows are
   going up also with no freezing temperatures forecasted for the next 5
   days. Lows may only reach the upper 30s and low 40s. Expect cooler
   temperatures next week with the possibility of a dramatic cool down by
   mid week.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Expect the snowmelt to accelerate this weekend. Most shallow snowpacks
   will gone by Sunday with only the high elevation bowls retaining snow
   into June. Also expect stream crossings to get tricky by mid morning.

   With several days of poor night time freezing, snow conditions could
   become very soft and weak in the morning hours. Snow sensors show water
   draining from the snow at all elevations. Even with the forecasted cool
   down next week, the pack will continue to melt. Stability has improved
   but the pattern for wet slides over the last three seasons, show wet
   slide activity occurs after 3 to 4 days of low temperatures greater
   than 32 F.

   For the weekend, it might not be possible to go early and travel over a
   well frozen surface. Pay attention to what is going on around you
   instead of following the person in front. Avalanches are still possible
   this time of year. The avalanche danger rating is LOW this morning,
   rising to MODERATE by noon.

   BOTTOM LINE

   The avalanche danger rating is LOW this morning, rising to MODERATE by
   noon.

   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.