Eastside Region

Avalanches are unlikely and the snowpack is generally stable. Be aware of variable surface conditions and low snow coverage. Shallowly buried obstacles like rocks, logs, and open creeks require caution.

The last reported slab avalanche ran on November 27th in the new storm snow, just after the last snowfall. While a weak layer is buried at the base of a 1.5-3 foot snowpack in some locations, it has proven to be mostly unreactive and not well-connected throughout terrain. Without any snowfall for over a week, you are unlikely to find an unstable slab that could cause a sizeable avalanche. Small and isolated instabilities could be found on shady slopes where weak snow sits under settled slabs, or on sunny terrain where the snowpack gets wet midday. Triggering anything larger than a very small avalanche remains an unlikely event. Best practice travel techniques in avalanche terrain are always the way to go. This will help maintain a margin of safety against an unexpected avalanche.

Snow coverage varies greatly across the forecast area. The deepest snowpack is in the Mammoth area, with over a meter of snow in favored locations. The northern and southern parts of our zone are thinner as you head towards Virginia Lakes and Bishop. The most consistent coverage can be found on northerly and easterly slopes between 9000 to 10,500 feet. Crusts abound on all aspects, with thinner breakable crusts on many open east and west-facing slopes. With the amount of sunny days lately, southerly slopes have developed a more robust melt-freeze crust in many locations.

Snow coverage is our greatest concern for the day. Early-season low-coverage hazards should be at the front of your mind as you enter the mountains: rocks, downed trees, open creeks, and other shallowly buried obstacles pose a larger risk today than avalanches. Low-coverage obstacles can increase the consequences of getting knocked off your feet in a small avalanche. Keep your eyes open and tips up.