Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations.  Variable conditions abound, including many areas of very firm slide-for-life snow. A low possibility of light snow today combined with strong SW winds could lead to isolated small pockets of fresh wind slab, particularly near Mammoth.    

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    With the slight possibility of a dusting of snow today, and the slight possibility of 1-2” around Mammoth this morning, isolated new small wind slabs may form that could be sensitive to a human trigger. Pay attention to local snowfall amounts, and be on the lookout for a small isolated pocket of fresh dense wind-deposited snow that you could trigger that could knock you off your feet and lead to a bad fall in consequential terrain. Leeward sides of ridgelines and terrain features at and above treeline are where one of these may be found.

Avalanche Discussion

Very windy conditions, partly cloudy skies and much cooler temperatures should keep slopes with solar exposure locked up today. Prepare for very firm conditions on all aspects.  A slip and fall on Mt Tom yesterday resulted in injuries requiring evacuation. Crampons and ice-ax/whippet and sharp edges are recommended if travelling beyond sheltered trees. Use good judgement considering your abilities, and recognize that some terrain might be best left untouched until conditions soften.

With new snowfall finally a good possibility later this week, pay attention to the variety of current surface conditions with an eye for how well, or not-well, new snow may bond to them. Surfaces currently range from smooth firm wind polish and frozen melt-freeze crusts, to loose-sugary faceted snow in more sheltered terrain.   

RECENT OBSERVATIONS

-3/7 – Lee Vining – Dana Plateau: Warming snow, firm conditions, weather.

-3/7 – June – Fern Creek: Snowpack and weather.

-3/6 – Mammoth – Sherwins: Warming and winds

-3/6 – Mammoth – Panorama Dome: Snowpits

Regions covered