Good morning, this is Sue Burak with the Inyo National Forest Eastern
   Sierra Avalanche Center. Today is Tuesday February 24, 2009.

   MOUNTAIN WEATHER

   Enjoy the sun today because clouds and unsettled weather return mid
   week with another storm forecasted for the end of the weekend.

   Mountain areas above 8,000 ft will see southwest winds decrease today
   with gusts around 30 mph. Highs will be in the low 40s with lows around
   20-25F. Elevations above 10,000 ft will see stronger southwest winds
   today gusting to 45 mph. High temperatures will be in the upper teens
   and low 20s.

   SNOWPACK AND AVALANCHE DISCUSSION

   For today, there are two very important avalanche concerns, wind
   loading and the persistent weak layers on the ground and the rain layer
   from January 22. These two avalanche problems can both be present and
   work in combination to great large avalanches.

   The wet Sunday/Monday storm added a significant load to the snowpack. A
   wind loaded slab avalanche released yesterday near the top of Carson
   Peak in June Lake. The slide ran more than 1,500 feet down the entire
   distance of Devils Slide. Though the initial slab up high in the bowl
   was small, the avalanche entrained dry and wet snow along the way that
   released on the weak snow on the ground. There are 8 ft debris piles at
   the bottom of Devils Slide.

   Above treeline and in exposed areas at treeline, the most likely place
   to trigger an avalanche is where new snow has been transported by the
   wind and formed into wind slabs. These will be found on north through
   east aspects. You can spot potential windslab conditions by looking for
   evidence of snow drifting: streaks on the snow surface; plumes of snow
   blowing off ridges; cornices forming; or if you are on the slope
   itself, feeling denser snow that may start to crack in front of you.
   Seeing any of these signs, especially if you also see recent avalanche
   activity, means it's time to back off onto less steep smaller slopes
   with safe zones that aren't exposed from above. Choose relatively low
   angle, uniform slopes with options for reducing risk. Avoid traveling
   in or above terrain traps where getting caught in a fairly small
   avalanche could have serious consequences.

   Smart, snow savvy people realize this is a very different snowpack this
   year from the forgiving Sierra snowpack of the past. The deeply buried
   facet layer and January rain layer remain reactive and are not going
   away. The buried weak snow has created a very unpredictable snowpack.
   The persistent charger attitude that the snowpack is bomber should be
   replaced with a healthy Rocky Mountain skepticism, especially with
   slopes that have not avalanched. Just because the snowpack is deep does
   not mean weak layers are exempt from loading from skiers and riders on
   the surface. There have been recent, natural large avalanches running
   in deeper snowpacks. Take an avalanche class to learn more about how to
   travel safely in the mountains.

   BOTTOM LINE

   In alpine terrain, the avalanche danger is estimated to be CONSIDERABLE
   above treeline on all north to east facing wind loaded slopes. Natural
   avalanches are possible. Variable conditions and uncertainty require
   conservative decision making. Careful route selection and good travel
   habits are required. The greatest danger exists on steep north to east
   facing wind loaded slopes from Rock Creek north to the Tioga Pass area.
   Terrain that is not wind loaded still has localized areas where an
   avalanche could be triggered. Avoid convex rollovers in steep trees and
   glades. The avalanche danger in no wind loaded terrain is MODERATE.

   In the Rock Creek and Bishop Creek area, the avalanche danger is
   estimated to be MODERATE above 8,000 ft. With less new snow and rain in
   this area, the buried weak layer remains active and many small slab
   avalanches were running on the buried weak layers yesterday.

   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.