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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You’re more likely to trigger large, dangerous slabs of drifted snow at higher elevations. Use caution on freshly wind-loaded slopes near and above treeline. Shooting cracks in dense surface snow are warning signs. Transition to shady slopes if you see rollerballs and feel the snow getting slushy as temperatures climb. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong ridgetop winds from the southwest have been drifting snow since yesterday afternoon. There was more loose surface snow available for transport in the northern half of the forecast area. Fresh wind slabs will be larger and more sensitive the higher you climb. Steer clear of features that have filled in with newly drifted snow. The most dangerous areas will be in chutes and gullies and on the leeward sides of ridgelines. Wind slabs may appear rounded and textured or feel hollow underfoot. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapsing in drifted snow are warning signs to dial back your slope angle and stick to wind-sheltered areas.

    Shooting cracks in wind-drifted snow. Photo: Steve Mace

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    A warming trend continues today. Winds and cloud cover are forecast to decrease by late morning. Wet surface snow could develop near and below treeline on slopes that see the most sunshine and the least wind. 

    Easterly aspects will warm first as the sun comes out this morning, followed by southerly and westerly aspects as the sun moves across the sky. Rollerballs or pinwheels are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Rocky terrain, steep vegetated slopes, and areas with shallow snow cover will warm the most. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. Travel early when the snow surface is colder. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder, shadier slopes once the snow surface turns slushly. Avoid steep, sunlit slopes above terrain traps, cliffs, and long, sustained steep pitches.

    (3/19/2025)

    Small wet loose avalanches and rollerballs coming from rocky and vegetated areas. Easterly aspects near and below treeline.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

There will be areas that are more dangerous than others today. More snow fell in the northern half of the forecast area during the last storm, and that’s where observers saw the most blowing snow yesterday. Further south, areas of intense wind loading were more confined to the highest peaks. Winds have been steady and strong overnight, with blowing snow continuing on webcams through early this morning. If winds decrease as forecast, wind loading should also diminish, allowing fresh drifts to become less sensitive throughout the day. 

There is also some uncertainty over how much surface snow will thaw. Many rollers and small Wet Loose avalanches ran on easterly aspects yesterday, and It will be warmer today. However, winds will have to die down, and clouds will have to clear for wet snow instabilities to become likely.

With transitional weather, it will be important to assess conditions in your area before committing to steep slopes. Defaulting to sheltered, shady terrain will be the safest choice, with the best opportunity for cold, soft snow.

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