Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Tue
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
3 · Erheblich
Open full map
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Kernpunkte

Copious amounts of loose surface snow and continued wind loading will maintain dangerous avalanche conditions today. Human-triggered avalanches remain likely. With buried persistent weak layers it will be possible to see avalanches breaking suddenly, deeper in the snowpack, propagating widely, and running long distances. It may be tricky to maintain adequate safety margins today. When in doubt, safer riding can be found in sheltered areas with slope angles under 30°.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Likely
    Größe
    1–2.5

    While continued snowfall is expected to taper off throughout the day, strong and shifting winds will continue to load leeward terrain features on northerly and easterly aspects and at all elevations. Wind-transported snow can accumulate and overload the snowpack much more quickly than storm snow alone.  While the largest and most concerning deposits exist near and above treeline, extreme winds can distribute snow in unexpected ways. Fresh wind deposits will be possible to find at lower elevations and further down slopes than you may typically expect.  It will be important to monitor for continued wind transport and be prepared for deteriorating conditions during periods of continued snowfall. With good coverage at lower elevations, large avalanches could run full path down to valley floors and into lower-angle below treeline terrain.  It's important to be wary of overhead hazards and avoid freshly loaded start zones today.

    (1/18/2023)

    Large natural wind slab avalanche in the Sherwins.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    2.5–3.5

    Persistent weak layers are now buried more deeply in many areas after a series of strong winter storms. This will make initiating a failure more difficult, however, if you find just the wrong spot today a resulting avalanche is likely to be very large and unsurvivable. Areas where these layers are still within a meter of the surface are more concerning and initiation will be more likely. These areas include the southern half of the forecast zone, and areas further from the crest. While natural activity has become unlikely, the weight of a relatively small wind or storm slab avalanche or a rider moving through terrain may be enough to trigger a large and destructive avalanche. Remember that persistent slab avalanches often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine surface instabilities such as wind or storm slabs and persistent slab avalanches can be remotely triggered from adjacent slopes. Persistent slab problems require extensive evaluation and deliberate terrain choice. The best management strategy is to put a wide margin between yourself and the terrain where the problem may exist. When in doubt avoid being on or underneath slopes greater than 30° in steepness.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–2

    Storm instabilities, both slabs, and sluffs are expected to settle relatively quickly as precip rates decrease today. However, recent snow accumulations in the northern half of the forecast area were substantial and it may still be possible to see surface instabilities in sheltered areas below treeline. Particularly in areas that received higher totals from yesterday's storm.   Steep and sheltered terrain features over 30° will be the potential problem areas today. Be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

Avalanche Discussion

Some call it the March Miracle, others have been calling it the March Lion, but no matter the designation, this winter shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Overlapping and diverse avalanche concerns will provide challenging conditions to navigate today and the potential for very large and destructive avalanches will require strategic terrain selection. When in doubt, safer and more enjoyable riding can be found in sheltered terrain with lower slope angles. Keep in mind that this recent run of high-intensity storms has had serious impacts on communities, infrastructure, and road crews. Considerate travel choices and strategic parking will be appreciated if you decide to venture out today. With such good coverage at lower elevations this winter, recent avalanches have been running further, impacting roadways and buildings in the communities of Mono City, June Lake, and Aspendell. It is important to practice good run-out awareness. Triggering an avalanche above infrastructure could have devastating consequences.  Have a backup plan, remember that it often takes multiple passes to clear roadways and trailhead parking. Road crews are working overtime to allow access to communities that have recently been stranded and to prepare for our next round of snow. Blocking snow drifts, travel routes, and snow piles makes it impossible for road crews to finish the job.

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