The last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season will post on April 21st. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.

Warm afternoon at Blue Lakes

Location Name: Blue Lakes Region: Carson Pass Area Observation Date & Time: Friday, April 21, 2023 - 16:00
Location: 38.655968, -119.932061 See map: CalTopo	Is this an Avalanche Observation?: No Conditions Alerts: Rapid or Prolonged Warming Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Strong Sunshine Rapid or Prolonged Warming›Warm Temperatures Terrain Alerts: Slopes Steeper than 30 degrees Terrain Matches the Advisory

Observation made by: Professional Observer

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Observation

Description of Snow, Weather, and Avalanche Conditions:

Very warm afternoon at Blue Lakes - almost too warm for physical riding even wearing the minimal gear. It was surprising that the snow remained supportable well into the afternoon. Ski, track, and boot penetration were only a few inches deep. Aggressive throttle moves on sunny aspects did not produce deep trenches, and no wet instabilities were observed. Large cornices remained mostly intact and spooky.

Triple threat cornices, and many more were out of the frame

Another large cornice in the Blue Lakes area

Convective cloud cover building in the afternoon heat

Due to a mechanical failure I did more walking today than usual, and boot penetration was minimal

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Warm afternoon at Blue Lakes

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Warm afternoon at Blue Lakes

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