Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A superficial refreeze of the upper snowpack last night is setting us up for a quick return to wet loose avalanche conditions with anticipated above-average temperatures. Being out of avalanche terrain before early afternoon is the most straightforward strategy for managing wet snow instability today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You can expect to see surface snow melt quickly as the sun comes out this morning and air temperatures climb. The timing of wet snow instability is aspect and slope angle dependent. Expect wetter and weaker snow on slopes where solar radiation is concentrated. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will likely be the first to thaw. Wet sticky snow, rollerballs, pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of overhead hazards today and be ready to retreat if the surface snow thaws causing you to sink deep into wet unconsolidated snow. Small wet loose avalanches may have higher consequences in confined or cliffy terrain that limits options to escape runouts and could concentrate debris flows.

    (4/13/2023)

    Large loose wet avalanches

    Photo: Aaron Jones

Avalanche Discussion

No new avalanches were reported for the second day in a row. Despite above-freezing air temperatures at many weather stations in the past two nights the snow surface seems to have had an adequate refreeze due to long-wave radiation escaping to the clear night sky. Although a few degrees warmer last night, the same situation may hold today. The main change is that daytime winds will be calm and maximum temperatures are expected to climb dramatically. Look for more rapid melting in the upper snowpack than was seen in previous days, and potentially an increase in wet loose activity.

If pushing into ski mountaineering or alpine climbing terrain be aware that variable and icy conditions may exist in the early morning hours on all aspects, and on high-elevation northerly aspects throughout the day. Careful assessment of surface conditions and the judicious application of ski and board edges, crampons, and ice axe may be required to provide adequate security. Proper technique and application (the right tool at the right time) are a matter of instruction, training, and experience. The best preparation before attempting alpine objectives outside your experience is to seek instruction from a qualified professional.

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