Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

The avalanche hazard is expected to rise throughout the day as new snow and strong winds create sensitive wind slabs on northerly and easterly aspects. Monitor new snow accumulations and evaluate terrain carefully.  Be ready for increasing hazards as the day progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Rising Hazzard today will be driven mainly by new snow accumulations. If today’s storm underproduces, reactive wind slabs may remain thin and consequential deposits may be limited to isolated areas on leeward terrain features. On the flip side, in areas that hit the high end of the forecasted snow totals, we can expect wind slabs to be larger in size and more specific in distribution. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments and monitor snow totals closely. Our prevailing southwest winds will keep our focus on northerly and easterly aspects today. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

    (1/18/2023)

    Large natural wind slab avalanche in the Sherwins.

Avalanche Discussion

While unsettled weather returns today, we do not expect snow totals to be uniform across the forecast area.  It will be critical to monitor localized accumulations closely in the areas you choose to travel. In addition, it is prudent to keep old surface conditions in mind as we look to the future. Hard and slick slopes will make good sliding surfaces and near-surface facets, or facet crust combos will make for reactive weak layers. As these surfaces are buried by new snow, it will be time to shift our mindset accordingly.

In the meantime, our variable and challenging surface conditions should remain top of mind for the backcountry enthusiast. New snow accumulations may not be enough to change the sliding experience drastically. The backcountry traveler will likely encounter variable and challenging travel conditions today (think dust on crust), particularly in more exposed areas.  Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary if you head into less protected areas near and above treeline.

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