Authorities warn of extreme avalanche danger on Mt. Baldy. Alex Vasquez reports for the NBC4 News at 11 a.m. on Wednesday March 1, 2023.
There were reports of avalanches Wednesday following an unrelenting storm that has delivered days of snow in the San Gabriel Mountains east of Los Angeles.
Mount Baldy Resort tweeted that avalanches were reported in the Movie Slope area.
"Multiple life threatening avalanches reported in the Movie Slope area below the ski area parking lot," according to the resort.
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The avalanche was below the resort area, but blocked part of Mount Baldy Road, according to the California Highway Patrol. Residents above the avalanche area cannot come down the mountain.
Crews with heavy equipment were on their way to clear the road.
The Mount Baldy Fire Department said avalanche danger is a significant concern following more overnight snow.
"Avalanches have been occurring," said Eric Sherwin, of the San Bernardino County Fire Department. "It's an ongoing threat. That threat will persist for the foreseeable future.
"We can expect additional accumulations through tonight."
Sherwin said snow totals are near 10 feet in some areas.
No injuries were reported. The resort remains closed Wednesday.
The rapid flows of snow down a mountain kill more than 150 people worldwide each year, according to the National Weather Service.
Warning signs include cracks in the snow around feet or skis; a hollow feeling to the ground underfoot; 'whumping' sounds indicating that the snow is settling; heavy snowfall or rain in a 24-hour period; rapidly increasing temperatures; and patterns on the snow created by the force of powerful winds.
Rain will taper off Wednesday, but snow will continue to fall in the mountains where a winter storm warning is in effect. A line of storms that began last week have led to power outages and school closures in mountain communities.
A winter storm warning is in effect through 10 p.m. Wednesday in the Los Angeles County mountains. Wind advisories are in effect in the mountains through 6 p.m.
Mountain communities can expect 8 to 16 inches with localized amounts reach 24 inches. The highest totals will be in the eastern San Gabriel mountains.
The Grapevine section of the 5 Freeway was closed again Wednesday morning due to snow and poor visibility.
In San Bernardino County, authorities planned to escort drivers up the mountain on the 18 Freeway, but said conditions were too hazardous Wednesday morning. San Bernardino County issued a local emergency due to the unrelenting snow.
