Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet loose instabilities will become increasingly likely today as the sun comes out and temperatures rise. Rollerballs, slushy snow, and recent avalanche activity are indicators of hazardous conditions. Get an early start, monitor warming surfaces as you travel, and reduce your exposure by moving to shaded terrain before surface snow becomes wet and unsupportable. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies and light winds allowed for a decent refreeze despite warm overnight temperatures. The sun will be out in full force today with very warm daytime temperatures.  Expect wet loose avalanches to become possible by mid-morning today, and continue through the afternoon. You're most likely to find this problem on solar aspects and at lower elevations where adequate coverage exists. On polar slopes, you may find hard melt-freeze crusts in some areas, and transitional snow in others.  Recent avalanches, roller balls, and unsupportable wet snow are all signs that wet loose avalanches are becoming possible.  You can minimize your exposure to this hazard by starting early and moving to more shaded slopes before surfaces become wet and unsupportable.

    (2/26/2026)

    Wey Avalanche Activity, Tioga area

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Spring arrived a bit early for us in the eastern Sierra, and it is important to shift our minds accordingly. Managing hazards in the spring can be more predictable, but there are several things to keep in mind. Timing will be one of your most effective tools for managing avalanche hazard and for finding high-quality sliding surfaces. Get an early start. Ascend slopes while they are hard and frozen, and try to descend steep slopes or move to more shaded aspects before surface snow becomes wet and unsupportable. Keep in mind that access may involve dry land travel or very thin coverage at lower elevations. Creeks are open, the water is rising, and the lakes are becoming more hazardous at all elevations. Be careful where and how you approach water features. Consider bringing specialized tools, such as an ice ax and boot and/or ski crampons, to aid efficient and safe travel.  It remains a good time to explore deeper within the range or pursue more aggressive objectives, but keep in mind that even a small avalanche can have elevated consequences in extreme or exposed terrain. 

 

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