SMG's Snow report is for the snow conditions in the Eastern Sierra Nevada. We report on conditions as we see them, or from reports we get from our friends. This snow report is for snow quality and coverage conditions, not for anything related to stability of the snowpack on backcountry slopes. For the backcountry avalanche advisory please visit the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center website. Be aware that snow conditions can change rapidly. You need to be aware and knowledgeable of factors leading to unstable snow, and perceptive enough to shift gears in poor conditions. We highly recommend taking an avalanche course that focuses on backcountry decision making before entering into avalanche terrain. Contact us with your snow observations!
Current Conditions: January 21, 2010
Welcome to winter. We are in the middle of a huge storm that abruptly ended spring-like June-uary weather. Although So Cal is getting completely devastated by floods, swelling ocean waves, and mudslides, here in the Owens Valley we are experiencing the soft, peaceful sound of snow falling on desert sagebrush. Up in the higher elevations is blizzard conditions and highway closures. Mammoth has seen close to 7 feet of storm snow and it is not over yet. The peaks of the Eastside are getting into shape for an incredible El Non-yo season!
Expect very good skiing conditions right now in the Eastern Sierra backcountry, but also super high avalanche danger. The next couple of weeks will require high level terrain skills for making good backcountry decisions. As always consult the latest ESAC avalanche advisory to assist your trip planning and decision making processes.
We still have room in our February avalanche courses and refresher courses, so contact us if you are interested. Have fun out there and be careful!
For earlier SMG conditions reports check out our YouTube Page!
Whitney Portal:Road closed at bottom Onion Valley: Road closed at bottom Big Pine Creek/ McMurray Meadows: Road plowed to Glacier Lodge Bishop Creek: Normal winter road closures Buttermilk/ Mt. Tom: snow level 6000' Rock Creek: Normal winter closure, Snow Park. McGee Creek: Closed to Crowley Lake Drive Convict Creek: Normal winter closure at Lake Mammoth Lakes Basin: Park next to Tamarack June Lake Loop: Normal winter closure @ Rush Creek Tioga Pass: Closed dude. Viginia Lakes: Rumors of being plowed to Dunderberg Creek Rd?? Twin Lakes: no report
