Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
Auf der Karte ansehen

Lawinengefahr

Wed
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
2 · Mässig
Open full map
Veraltet — dieser Lagebericht ist 3 years ago abgelaufen. Du siehst vergangene Verhältnisse, nicht den aktuellen Bericht.

Kernpunkte

Though natural avalanches are unlikely, large human-triggered slides are still possible. You can find wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity in leeward terrain features. Buried weak layers make it possible for avalanches to break deeper in the snowpack and propagate widely. Look for new wind loading, shooting cracks, and collapsing as signs of instability. Better yet, give yourself a wide terrain margin to account for the potential for very large avalanches.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers have been buried more deeply in many areas after a series of strong winter storms. This will make initiating a failure on these layers more difficult, however, if you find just the wrong spot today a resulting avalanche is likely to be very large and it may not be survivable. Areas where these layers are still within a meter of the surface are more concerning. These areas include the southern half of the forecast zone, and areas further from the crest. Avalanches are unlikely to occur naturally, however, the weight of a relatively small wind 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. 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.

    (3/2/2023)

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity may be found today.  Be particularly cautious in areas with higher snow totals from our recent storm system.  This may include the northern half of the forecast area, higher elevations, and areas closer to the crest. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments. While fresh deposits will be small, there may be potential to find areas with more sizable and concerning wind slabs in isolated areas. It will be important to monitor for continued wind transport and be prepared for deteriorating conditions during periods of continued snowfall. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. While most concerning near and above treeline its important to remember that extreme winds can distribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find wind deposits at lower elevations and further down slopes than you may typically expect. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, mid-slope rollovers, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

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

Avalanche Discussion

We have firmly entered a period we like to describe as “Spooky Moderate”. Signs of instability may not be obvious while moving through terrain. However, triggering an avalanche today has the potential to be devastating. It will be essential to reevaluate typical “safe zones” and think critically about your exposure to large avalanches. Using conservative terrain choice to put a wide margin between yourself and concerning areas is the best strategy. Practice good runout awareness, be wary of overhead hazards, and when in doubt safer riding can be found in sheltered areas with lower slope angles.

Abgedeckte Regionen