Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
3 · Erheblich
Waldgrenze
3 · Erheblich
Unterhalb
3 · Erheblich
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Kernpunkte

You could trigger a wind slab avalanche at upper elevations today. As temperatures rise, cold snow from the weekend will transition - leading to wet snow instabilities. Conservative decision making and cautious travel are encouraged today. 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Very Likely
    Größe
    1–2

    Today we will see temperatures rise well above freezing at all elevations. This is the first significant warm day since the most recent storms, and will be coupled with intense April sunshine. The snowpack will begin to transition and loose wet avalanches are very likely today. Wet, sticky snow, increasing boot penetration, and rollerballs are all signs that indicate wet loose avalanches are becoming more likely. Areas near radiators, such as rock features and cliff bands, are especially susceptible to increased warming and are often areas where these avalanches can be triggered. Plan your day to be off of steep slopes by the time the snow gets too wet to minimize your exposure today. In isolated areas with lingering storm slab and wind slab structures, these instabilities could release and behave as wet slab avalanches as they warm today. 

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have been moving large amounts of snow over the last 72 hrs, and many wind slab avalanches have occurred in the last 48 hrs. Lingering drifts of unstable snow may exist near treeline on all aspects. In the last 24 hrs, strong to extreme Northerly winds have been blowing large amounts of snow at ridge tops. More reactive wind slabs may exist above treeline. Look and feel for textured, stiff, hollow snow and cracking as indicators to this problem. Be suspect of slopes below ridge lines and cornices, catchment zones, gullies, chutes, bowls and depressions susceptible to cross-loading. Consider that direct sunlight at this time of year can act as a natural trigger, and solar slopes may be loaded. Make localized assessments throughout the day, and opt for lower angle slopes without overhead hazards if in doubt. 

    (4/1/2024) Photo: Everett Phillips

Avalanche Discussion

This most recent storm brought lots of avalanche activity with it. We saw lots of loose dry avalanches up to size 2, and wind and storm slab avalanches up to size 2.5. Some avalanches were natural and some were human triggered. We are currently tracking a buried layer of facets above the 3/23 melt freeze crust. We have no confirmed avalanches on this layer at this time. 

Today will be the first day of significant warming at all elevations towards this new snow load. It will also be coupled with decreasing winds and intense April sun. We are expecting widespread wet snow instabilities as the day continues. In areas where unstable wind and storm slabs are present, these avalanches may behave more like wet slabs than wet loose. Ultimately, wet, transitional snow can be hard to manage and hard to predict. Plan to be off of steeper slopes with overhead hazard earlier in the day to minimize your exposure. 

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