BACKCOUNTRY SNOW REPORT
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Current Conditions | Useful Links

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: April 11, 2009. Conditions are different all over. You can find corn, powder, and slush depending on the aspect and current weather. Big mountains are a nice place to be right now. Check your avalanche report!! For old conditions reports check out our YouTube Page!

 

Trailhead Conditions:

Whitney Portal: "Closed" but drivable to Meysan Lakes Trailhead. (3/15/09)

Onion Valley: "Closed" but drivable all the way to the end. (3/15/09)

Big Pine Creek/ McMurray Meadows: Just enough snow to ski from the day parking lot to anywhere in the Palisades (03/10/09)

Bishop Creek: Select roadside stuff filled in, though look out for Table mountain. Click here for more info. (3/11/09)

Buttermilk/ Mt. Tom: Lots of hiking from where you have to park before you can get on your skis. Big Slide on Basin leaves tough bed surface- unfortunate skiing conditions (03/18/09)

Rock Creek: Snow Park at east fork campground

McGee/Convict Creek: no report

Mammoth Lakes/ Mammoth Mountain: Park at tamarack stay on accessed loop.

June Lake Loop: Closed at power plant. Lower slopes of June and 4 seasons slope and devils slide are skiable! (March 7, 2009) North June Lake Loop "Closed" but driveable to grant lake (3/09/09)

Tioga Pass: Road gated at winer closure. People have skied Lee Vining canyon and in V-Bowl. They were working on the road on March 9th!

Viginia Lakes: no report

Twin Lakes:  no report

An Early December video report:

Bishop Creek Avalanche ~ Feb 19-22, 2009

USEFUL LINKS:

We sell old ice gear!!

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center Advisory

ESAC Weather Links

Sierra Avalanche Center Advisory

Useful Local Blogs:

Scott Weaver

Sierra Descents

Telemark Tips

The Backcountry

 

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