Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger persists at all elevations. Daytime warming will lead to an increased risk of loose wet avalanching and rockfall today, particularly on solar aspects. Monitor for isolated areas of unstable snow, be on the lookout for rockfall due to daytime warming, and prepare for a full variety of challenging and shallow surface conditions.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Continued sunny skies, light winds, and record high temperatures are expected over the next couple of days. This may lead to some excessive surface warming and an increased risk of rockfall on solar aspects.  Many solar aspects are already burnt out, sparsely covered, or well transitioned at this point. More problematic today may be easterly and westerly aspects that contain a more transitional snowpack, particularly at lower elevations, areas with thin coverage, areas near rock outcroppings or cliff bands, and southerly facing couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified. Keep an eye out for early warning signs such as moist punchy surface snow, rollerballs & pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration. These are clues that may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of your exposure to terrain hazards and be prepared to retreat to more shaded aspects if you notice that surface warming is reaching concerning levels.

     

Avalanche Discussion

Significant avalanche activity remains unlikely however it is always prudent to monitor for changing conditions and keep an eye out for isolated instabilities. In addition to the risk of surface warming today, thin coverage and variable surface conditions should remain top of mind. Highly textured, 3-dimensional surfaces are common on all aspects, hard and slick slopes can be found at all elevations, unsupportable facets in some sheltered areas near and below treeline can make an already thin feeling snowpack even more hazardous, moist and sticky snow may make for unpredictable sliding, and dust on crust conditions can make travel difficult on both the ascent and descent.

Spring-like conditions exist in the Eastern Sierra and it is important that we shift our mindset accordingly. Be prepared with the proper equipment, start early, and be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, thinly covered obstacles, areas of dry ground, tight rocky chokes, and stands of bushes and trees.

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