Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche where strong northerly winds have drifted snow into chutes, below ridelines, and downwind of trees. Recent avalanches, blowing snow, and shooting cracks from your skis are obvious signs of instability. Wind-sheltered slopes will have less hazardous conditions and softer snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Extreme winds shifted to the northwest and then northeast yesterday afternoon. Huge plumes of blowing snow were obvious near and above treeline across the range. North winds remained strong overnight. Fresh wind slabs could be sensitive to your weight on steep slopes below ridgelines, in chutes, and downwind of trees. Older slabs that formed from southwest winds 2 days ago developed atop weak snow and a crust. They may take a little longer to heal.

    Approach slopes with a rippled, dense surface cautiously. Shooting cracks are a warning sign that you’ve found a problem spot. Sheltered areas will have fewer hazards and likely better riding conditions.

    (1/8/2026)

    Northwest wind causing intense blowing snow near and above treeline south of Mammoth 

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Weak layers developed in early December near the bottom of the snowpack on north-facing slopes above 10,000 feet. They have been buried deeper and deeper since Christmas. While there is evidence that persistent slab avalanches ran during extreme loading events over the past 2 weeks, they have become unreactive, and it’s very unlikely a person will be able to affect the early-season snow.

Weak facets have developed around a rain crust buried under 15 to 30 inches of snow on New Year’s. The crust exists across the forecast region on all aspects up to around 11,000 feet. We have only limited evidence of the facets. We've seen them on northerly aspects in the northern half of the zone. Forecasters got localized cracking and propagating snowpack test results on this layer yesterday in Lee Vining, and we’re currently gathering more information about this concerning structure. Pay attention to any signs of instability, like cracking or collapsing in the snowpack. Let us know if you find weak snow around this crust. 

Regions covered