While Mammoth Mountain reports 46″ of new snow, The Sierra Avalanche Center is busing warning people to stay out of the backcountry until the danger subsides.
Over the past 24 hours, Tahoe has gotten absolutely clobbered with new snow prompting delays, countless hours of avalanche mitigation, and an avalanche danger rating of “HIGH” on all aspects and elevations.
“HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Natural and human triggered avalanches are likely in a variety of areas. Large destructive avalanches could occur.” – Sierra Avalanche Center
With that in mind, we strongly recommend staying out of the backcountry at all costs and riding the resort terrain instead. Why not let snow safety professionals watch your back while you get pitted all day long?
Sierra 24-Hour Snowfall Totals:
Mammoth – 46″
Boreal – 44″
Sugar Bowl – 24″
Squaw Valley – 23″
Alpine Meadows – 23″
Kirkwood – 20″
Mt Rose – 19″
Sierra-at-Tahoe – 18″
Northstar – 18″
Heavenly – 18″
Avalanche Warning
Naturally triggered wind slab avalanches occurred yesterday with indication of easy human triggering of wind slabs in steep wind loaded terrain. Continued new snow and wind will keep this avalanche problem ongoing today. This problem will be most prevalent on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline areas, but could be found in more isolated areas on other aspects or below treeline.
Numerous clues such as drifting snow, cornices, and wind pillows exist to identify areas of recent wind loading and subsequent wind slab formation. Identify and avoid areas where wind slabs are likely to exist. Maintin awareness to the proximity of runout zones for natural avalanches on slopes above.
Find up-to-date avalanche advisories here: Sierra Avalanche Center