General Snow conditions around Mammoth?

[Slim]

Anyone (@Motherhave ?) some info on backcountry conditions around Mammoth currently?
Starting to think of what AT ski’s to pack for our trip next week.

For me, the decision is: skinny, short, spring skis, I would only take those if not expecting more than 12” of soft snow and not too much breakable crust.
Otherwise, I will bring my all rounders.

For my wife, she has some wide ski’s. If more than 1.5” feet of soft snow, they would be a life saver for her.
otherwise, she will bring her shorter, skinnier skis.

 

[socalgal]

@Mothertucker @In2h2o

 

[In2h2o]

@Slim what are you looking for/ objectives as far as backcountry touring? Honestly I have not done much over 30 degrees /meadow skipping this season as the conditions have been extremely unstable. If you are not familiar with this area I would suggest hiring a guide for at least the first day to help get you dialed into what is going on with the snow pack and where to tour. All arounder skis would be better than skinny unless you are planning on doing the Caldera Burn. https://www.mammothmountain.com/things-to-do/events/caldera-burn

If you haven't already been reviewing the reports from ESAC your should note all the avalanches that have been occurring lately. A lot of these are natural or remotely triggered. This is not a typical year and the snowpack has many unstable layers in a very deep snowpack. https://www.esavalanche.org/forecasts/#/all They just had a recent zoom event 3/29 re: the snowpack but I can't find the recording....

The "Negatives" is a great tour off the back of June mountain with many options to either ski bowl or chutes. https://www.junemountain.com/things-to-do/backcountry-tours
SMG is the primary provider for the tours off of June Mt. https://sierramtnguides.com/ski-tours/
My favorite guide is Barbara Wanner - she is also an Aiare instructor and former Mammoth ski patrol

 

[Slim]

Yeah, I have seen the avalanche forecast. Not unexpected with this much snow and spring warming.

Already have a guide booked.

Definitely conservative in my terrain choices. Hoping some fun open slopes with view of the valley. Or easy, mellow chutes. Or high alpine terrain.
What ever the snow allows safely.

 

[Mothertucker]

Excellent advice given above by @In2h2o . I pulled up a couple of pics of the Mammoth Lakes Basin, adjacent to the ski area and town, it and the area called the Sherwins might be good places to consider touring. Also check out Mammoth Mountaineering in town. When you go to Lone Pine be sure to stop by Big Willi Mountaineering Company https://bigwillimc.com/ (shameless plug for my friends shop)

Mammoth Crest from MMSA. Hollywood Chute cutting left to right, Red Cone Bowl just left of it.

Looking further to the East at the rest of the basin and the frozen lakes. The Sherwins lie to the left out of frame. You could possibly even do Hole in the Wall. Pics are from 4/17/18.

 

[Slim]

Yeah, I have the guide book, and there is a LOT of skiing. Anyway, what’s folks thoughts on snow conditions/ ski choice?