Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds and new snow will lead to the development of unstable drifts on steep, leeward slopes near and above treeline today. Choosing travel routes with lower slope angles in sheltered terrain will limit your exposure. Generally thin coverage could elevate the hazard of being caught in even a small avalanche today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    We will see 2'' - 8'' of snow in the next 24 hours, coupled with moderate to extreme southwest winds.  As snow falls and strong winds move it across terrain, you can expect drifts to form  near and above treeline. Look for blowing snow, cracking, and stiff, textured snow surfaces as clues to indicate the presence of unstable wind slabs. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Areas that receive higher snow totals by this afternoon may have bigger, more reactive wind slabs. Where wind slabs develop over weak, sugary snow, (protected N - E facing terrain), they could break wider and be sensitive for longer. 

    (11/26/2024)

    Long shooting cracks on a leeward test slope at 9200 ft. above Aspendell. Northeast aspect.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Today, we are welcoming the first in a series of winter storms. The rising hazard will depend on how quickly snow accumulates across the range. We are expecting 2'' - 3'' in the southern reaches of our zone, 4" - 5" in areas to the north, and up to 8" in Mammoth, near the crest. Strong winds will move this snow around, forming unstable wind drifts on top of a variety of surface types. 

Pre-storm, we noted a soft, faceted snowpack on sheltered, shady slopes. Exposed northerlies have wind-board or are covered with a facet/crust combo. Solar aspects have melt-freeze crusts or just bare ground. It will be important to conduct your own localized assessments and monitor wind and snow accumulations closely. 

Keep in mind that generally thin coverage could mean getting dragged through rocks and other hidden obstacles if you trigger even a small avalanche today. 

Regions covered