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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Highlights

If you’re seeking cold, dry snow in alpine chutes, it’s possible that you could trigger a wind slab avalanche below the ridge or mid-slope. As temperatures climb, cold snow can become sticky, leading to wet loose avalanches on steep, rocky slopes that receive direct spring sunshine. Watch for shooting cracks in drifted snow and rollerballs as the first signs that you’ve found the problems. You can shift to lower slope angles and simpler terrain to avoid both problems. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong to extreme winds last week redistributed recent storm snow onto steep slopes below cornices and in alpine chutes. In some areas, it created wind slabs mid-slope and in surprising places. While many of these slabs rest directly on a slick melt-freeze crust, others sit on small near-surface facets. This means that wind slabs can remain sensitive for longer than you’d expect. On the most favored features, it's still possible for a human to trigger one. In fact, several riders have triggered small to large slab avalanches over the past few days. If you’re still seeking cold, dry winter snow in alpine couloirs, expect to have to manage this winter avalanche problem. Look for shooting cracks in denser slabs on small test slopes. While wind slabs will generally be on the small side, even small avalanches can have elevated consequences in complex or extreme terrain.

    (4/4/2026)

    Rider-triggered wind slab avalanche near Tioga Pass from 4/3. North, around 11,000 ft.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    High April sun and warming temperatures will cause the recent snow to become wet and sticky throughout the day, and small wet loose avalanches will be possible. You're most likely to encounter the problem where recent storm snow is transitioning from dry to wet on east, northeast, and north aspects. Look out for sticky snow, rollerballs, and deposits of dry snow getting direct sun. Consider that even a small wet loose avalanche can push a rider into rocks, trees, and cliffs, and evaluate your exposure before deciding on your line. Start early, and choose simpler terrain and lower-angle slopes to reduce your exposure to wet loose avalanche hazard.

    (4/4/2026)

    An old D1 natural wet loose avalanche from last week. East aspcet, 11,400 ft. Bishop Creek.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

After a small, windy storm brought us into April, people have been excited to get into high, steep terrain and find some cold winter snow. That means riders have been seeking out the exact terrain where wind slabs formed during the storm. Those slabs developed on slick, icy crusts in most places, but cold nights and big diurnal temperature swings have faceted some of the snow at the new/old interface, and older wind slabs have remained more sensitive for longer than you’d expect. On Friday, we had several reports of riders getting surprised by wind slab avalanches triggered in the middle of their lines. The majority of these avalanches were small and on north- to east-facing slopes above around 11,000 ft. 

Elsewhere across the range, the recent storm snow was scattered. Only the most favorable terrain features have held onto it. Most surfaces are old, rough, melt-freeze crusts. These crusts have been thawing midday, and you can ride corn if you time it right. If you’re too early, you’ll likely find sharp tools like crampons to your advantage. Too late and wet snow could be deeper and more unstable than you’d like. 

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