Lawinenlagebericht

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Lawinengefahr

Sun
Hochgebirge
2 · Mässig
Waldgrenze
2 · Mässig
Unterhalb
1 · Gering
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Kernpunkte

Wet loose and wind slab avalanches will be possible today. You are most likely to find both problems near and above treeline on leeward aspects and favored terrain features where recent winds deposited new snow.  Monitor for cold snow becoming wet throughout the day, and look out for cracking in stiffer, rounded drifts in protected features that collect snow. To reduce your exposure, start early and seek out simple terrain.

Lawinenprobleme

  • Loose Wet

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

    High April sun and warming temperatures will cause new snow to become wet and sticky throughout the day, and small wet loose avalanches will be possible. You're most likely to encounter new snow on east, northeast and north aspects. Areas around Mammoth, Tioga Pass, and Virginia Lakes received the most snow, and will have the most available for avalanches. Softer new snow will transition and become unstable faster than dense wind-drifted snow. At this point in the season, even most north aspects will receive direct sun at some point during the day.

    Look out for sticky snow, rollerballs, and deposits of soft new snow in the sun. Consider that even a small wet loose avalanche can push a rider into rocks, trees, and cliffs, and evaluate your exposure before deciding on a run. Start early, and choose simpler terrain and lower-angle slopes to reduce your exposure to wet loose avalanche hazard.

    (3/16/2026) Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong to extreme winds on 4/2 redistributed new snow near and above treeline, and deposited it primarily on north and east aspects. In some areas, it created wind slabs mid-slope and in surprising places. On the most favored features, it's still possible for a human to trigger one. In fact, a rider unintentionally triggered a D1 wind slab in a couloir on a northeast aspect at 11000 feet in the Virginia Lakes area yesterday. Thankfully, they were able to arrest their slide and ride away unharmed.

    Areas that received the most snow in our recent storm will have potentially built the thickest slabs. Expect deposits of deeper snow in gullies and protected couloir features. Look for shooting cracks and slabs in small test drifts. While winds slabs will generally be on the small side, even small avalanches can have elevated consequences in complex or extreme terrain. Consider the consequences of a slide and where you might end up if you were caught and carried. You can reduce your exposure by seeking out simpler terrain and lower-angle slopes.

    (4/1/2026)

    Cracking in recently drifted new snow, unsupported. Northeast 10600'.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

Avalanche Discussion

After a brief return of wintry conditions, we will move back into a spring diurnal pattern this weekend and beyond. Expect cool mornings and warm afternoons going forward. Anticipate mostly firm and frozen surfaces in the morning, and consider tools like crampons and axes to help prevent a slip and slide. 

Snow surfaces are variable, and you will likely find a combination of old melt/freeze snow and wind-affected new snow on your tour. The new snow may be soft, punchy or sticky.

Access is becoming more difficult by the day, and you can anticipate walking on some dirt or pavement in all but the highest trailheads. 

Creeks will be flowing fast, particularly in the afternoon and even lakes in the alpine have begun to thaw. Consider building extra time into your plan to navigate open water.

Start early, monitor warming, and evaluate new drifted snow for wind slab hazard today.

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