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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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche hazard remains LOW at all elevations.  Wind slabs sensitive to human triggers may become possible today as the forecast area is impacted by intermittent snow showers and continued strong winds. Do your own localized assessments and be ready for hazard to rise if you notice measurable snowfall totals. Leeward catchment zones on northerly aspects near and above treeline and unsupported slopes in extreme terrain will be potential problem areas. Identify features of concern and be on the lookout for isolated areas of unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slab development will be highly dependent on snowfall accumulation today. By the time of publishing only a trace of new snow has fallen and the potential for unstable snow is negligible. However, it is possible that we may see 1-5” of fresh snow throughout the day accompanied by continued strong southwesterly winds.  If we hit the high end of that range, fresh areas of wind deposit will have the potential to be consequential. Monitor snowfall totals if you head into the backcountry today and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Blowing snow, fresh drifting, stiff hollow feeling upside-down snow, and freshly textured, uneven snow surfaces are all signs of recent wind transport. Use these signs to identify and avoid steep slopes with recent wind deposits.   

Avalanche Discussion

If this brief spring storm fails to produce measurable precipitation the risk of unstable snow will be very unlikely, however, a plethora of hard and slick surfaces should also be top of mind today. Tools like boot and/ski crampons and an ice ax will be critical tools depending on where you decide to travel and slide for life conditions will be possible to find on all aspects. Be aware of your exposure to obstacles like exposed rocks, fallen trees, and open creeks, and be prepared for challenging conditions in the backcountry today.

Recent Observations

-4/12- Virginia Lakes- low coverage and surface warming on Dunderberg peak

-4/12- Bishop area- Snowpack and weather observation from the south fork of Bishop creek

-4/11 – Crowley – Nevahbe Ridge: Weather and snow conditions.

-4/11 – Mammoth Lakes Basin – TJ Bowl: Conditions.

Regions covered