Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW on all aspects and at all elevations. Strong April sun may warm the snow surface to excess in isolated areas bringing the possibility for small wet-loose avalanches. LOW danger does not mean NO danger. Conduct your own localized assessments of conditions before committing to avalanche terrain.

Today is the last daily avalanche advisory of the 21/22 season. See the forecast discussion below for more information.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Cooler temperatures and persistent wind over the last 36 hours have helped with a more solid refreeze of the snow surface. This trend continues today, and the possibility of excessive warming/softening of the surface snow is unlikely. However, isolated terrain features that are steep, receiving direct sun and are warmed by adjacent bare ground or surrounding rocks should remain on your radar for places to trigger small wet-loose avalanches.

    Sinking to your boot top or beyond is a good sign that the surface snow is weakening. If you see rollerballs, pinwheels or small point release slides, the snow is becoming more unstable. Use timing and terrain choice (aspect, slope angle and terrain trap avoidance) to manage your avalanche risk today.

Avalanche Discussion

Enjoy the last day of spring like conditions today before we enter a more dynamic period of weather this week. Cooler temperatures and persistent wind may slow the softening of the snow to some degree today, but don’t underestimate the strength of the April sun. Despite strong to extreme winds in the alpine yesterday, solar aspects got warm and softened quickly. Expect similar today, and monitor for excessive warming on isolated terrain features.

Factor in extra time to your plan today to account for difficult approaches in some areas. Snowline is rising, long stretches of dirt and rock punctuate the terrain and rising creeks and open water on lakes will complicate approaches. Time your ascent and descent based on local conditions. If the snow becomes unsupportable, turn around and seek shadier terrain or lower angle slopes.

Today’s snow surface is likely to be tomorrow’s sliding surface. Any fresh snow we receive from this approaching storm may not bond well to freshly frozen surfaces. Take stock of where the snow is now, and picture freshly fallen and wind-blown depositions in the terrain. The change in weather and conditions demands an adjustment to our mindset. Re-calibrate your decision making to deal with winter avalanche conditions. Depending on snow totals, storm slabs and fresh wind slabs are likely. When the sun re-emerges and temperatures warm later in the week, things will remain interesting as we settle back into spring. Take a step back and let the snow adjust.

Today is the final daily avalanche advisory for the winter 21/22 season. We will update our website tomorrow with a conditions update related to the incoming storm. This may be adjusted as we come out of this unsettled period. Stay tuned! To help with public information exchange regarding avalanche conditions please continue to submit your field observations to the ESAC website. This is especially important in the spring when our operation winds down. Thank you!

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