Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Inyo National Forests Eastern
   Sierra Avalanche Centers advisory for the Memorial Day weekend.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   It was only 5 days ago that temperatures were close to 70F in the high
   country, wet sluff avalanches were common, streams were flowing high
   and getting close to peak flows. There were red flag fire warnings in
   the Owens Valley.

   A couple of days ago, winter decided to come back with a vengeance with
   highs in the upper 20s and low 30s and strong northerly winds. For the
   next three days, expect more winter weather with highs in the mid to
   upper 20s above 10,500 ft. and around 32 F at the 9,000 to 9,600 ft
   elevations.

   There is a 70% probability of snow today at the higher elevations with
   diminishing showers tonight. Tomorrow will be snowy again and depending
   on the location of the low pressure system, snowfall could be heavy in
   localized areas around thunderstorms. Northerly winds have shifted to
   the west and there are no wind advisories expected for the rest of the
   Memorial Day weekend.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   Winter conditions prevail at the higher elevations. A few inches of new
   snow can be found above 10,000 ft and I found wind drifts up to 6
   inches up Rock Creek. Skiing is on hard, irregular surfaces- imagine
   the deep and wide suncups of last weekend being frozen hard and
   unforgiving. This is not a nice picture for weekend ski descents.

   For those die hards looking for powder, check the bonding between the
   old hard spring snow and the new wind drifted snow. With diminishing
   wind speeds, there will be much less wind drifting of new snow today
   and over the weekend. Cloud cover and a cold air mass will keep the
   snow surface from softening much over the next two days. The avalanche
   danger rating is LOW.

   BOTTOM LINE

   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.