EASTERN SIERRA AVALANCHE BULLETIN- MONDAY, APRIL 17th 
     Good morning!  This is John Moynier with the eastern Sierra 
backcountry avalanche report on Monday, April 17th.   The other side of 
spring has shown itself with a return of stormy weather. Mammoth Mountain 
received up to 10" of new snow on Sunday, with more falling today.  The 
weekend saw very high winds in some areas of the Sierra and a return of 
generally cooler, blustery conditions.  The National Weather Service is 
calling for continued unsettled weather through the week, making this a 
tough time for extended tours, but offering a good chance for late season 
powder skiing in the backcountry.
     As a result of the new snow and high winds, the avalanche hazard has 
increased to CONSIDERABLE.  A number of natural releases were observed 
today, and this hazard should continue through the week.  The primary 
concern is from the new snow sliding on the old corn snow surface, but a 
change to rain could cause a greater concern for deeper releases.  The 
hazard from wet slides will become an issue when the sun comes out and 
warms the new snow.  Pay attention to sunball activity; if the size or 
number of sunballs dramatically increases it would be a good idea to get 
off that slope as soon as possible.  Obviously, this is not the greatest 
time for backcountry tours and extreme descents.  However, there could be 
some excellent skiing on moderate, protected slopes.
      If you plan on venturing into the backcountry this spring, pay 
attention to local signs of instability and watch for clues regarding 
potential localized slab formation and developing wet slide potential.  In 
addition, the icy conditions make the hazard of "slide for life" falls a 
much greater concern.  As usual at this time of year, self-arrest grips 
would be a good idea on steep slopes.  As always, make sure that everyone 
in your group has beacons, shovels and probe poles, and knows how to use 
them.  If you are interested in guiding services, the Bardini Foundation 
offers scheduled trips and custom packages.  For more information, please 
contact Tim Villanueva and the Bardini Foundation at (760) 872-4413. 
  That's it for now, so be safe and enjoy spring in the High Sierra!