Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Thu
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
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Kernpunkte

Large slab avalanches, breaking on buried weak layers 3-6 feet below the surface, remain possible. Increasing winds today may build small, unstable slabs of drifted snow near ridgelines and in confined gully features. Conservative terrain choice is the best way to manage the hazard.

 

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    2–3.5

    Persistent Slab avalanches are more sensitive to a person in the southern half of the forecast area and at lower elevations where the slab is thinner (~1 meter). At higher elevations, particularly from Mammoth north, the slab is thicker (~1.5-2 meters), and feedback may be unreliable.  A very large avalanche could be the first sign a slope is unstable. Keep In mind that a smaller surface avalanche, or the weight of a person in a rocky area with shallower snow cover, could be all that is needed to trigger an unsurvivable avalanche.

    Managing Persistent Slab problems requires patience and deliberate terrain choice. Avalanches may be triggered remotely—from flatter terrain adjacent to steep slopes and from terrain people may typically think of as safe. Persistent slabs often propagate widely and in unpredictable ways. Tracks on a slope do not mean that it’s safe. Shooting cracks and collapses are clear warning signs of the problem. However, feedback is often irregular. The best option is to minimize your exposure to steep terrain. Use extra caution in rocky, complex terrain, near convexities, and on slopes with inconsistent snow depth.

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Wind Slabs

    • Hochgebirge
    • Waldgrenze
    • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze
    Wahrscheinlichkeit
    Possible
    Größe
    1–1.5

    Increasing winds out of the west could lead to fresh slab development near and above treeline today. Blowing snow and fresh drifting will help indicate potential problem areas. Exercise caution near ridgelines, in confined gully features, and on steep leeward slopes. Wind slabs may appear rounded and textured or sound hollow underfoot. Shooting cracks and collapsing in drifted snow are warning signs to dial back your slope angle and stick to wind-sheltered areas.

    (1/6/2023) Photo: Cracking in wind slabs

Avalanche Discussion

Rising temperatures and mostly cloudy skies led to a relatively warm night and a moderate refreeze last night. Increasing winds today will limit the potential for Wet Loose activity. However, it won't be impossible to see small surface sluffs if actual winds are less than forecasted. Monitor for changing conditions throughout the day, and keep in mind that wet, sticky snow, rollerballs, and pinwheels can foreshadow larger point-release avalanches.  

We are dealing with uncertain and challenging conditions at the moment. As direct signs of instability become less common, it is important to remember that the consequences of an avalanche failing deep in the snowpack are incredibly high. The key word is patience. Conditions will become more predictable with time. Conservative terrain choice remains your best tool to ensure a safe and fun day in the backcountry.

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