Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger resides for WIND SLAB  on Northerly-Southeasterly aspects at all elevations. Strong Northwesterly winds will harvest and transport snow from shadier aspects and cross-load zones adjacent to ridgeline and near isolated terrain features conducive to capturing wind-driven snow. Keep an eye out for unstable snow in complex and extreme terrain

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The leeward aspects of N-NE-E-SE are what to consider for small and isolated pockets of WIND SLAB. Keep in mind ALL ELEVATION bands and especially look for cross-loading on the N-NE aspects with winds coming from the Northwest today. Elevations at and below Tree line have soft, transportable snow (more so than the higher alpine areas) so pay particular attention to terrain that likes to collect transported snow below tree line, such as areas adjacent to ridgeline, cliff bands, convex roll overs, and gullies. Be aware of your surroundings in exposed and committing terrain and consider the consequences of tight constrictions or cliffs where even a small volume of sliding snow may take you for a nasty ride. Be on the lookout for blowing snow, fresh looking pillows, and surface cracking from your ski tips to identify wind slab formation.

Avalanche Discussion

Much of the alpine environment is now wind sculpted, smooth, and firm where a rider could pick up velocity with a fall. Crampons and ice axe are advantageous if venturing to higher pursuits in the alpine as well as a keen eye for active wind loading and deposition of snow. There are also some significant cornices residing on Northerly-Easterly ridgelines that need to be given some respect and consideration when trying to enter or access slopes. Clear nights and relative recent cold temperatures have also faceted and loosened snow surfaces in sheltered terrain providing not only some good soft surfaces for riding, but also some minor potential for  dry loose sloughing in steep terrain.

Regions covered