Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche hazard persists at upper elevations while LOW avalanche danger exists near and below treeline. Small loose wet sloughing resulting from daytime warming may be possible on solar aspects and thin reactive wind slabs can be found near and above treeline today, particularly on leeward terrain features, midslope depressions, and in cross loaded catchment zones in the alpine. Monitor for changing conditions, evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have once again been shifting around the compass rose and recent observations have identified reactive wind slabs on all aspects.  With our north winds dropping in velocity today continued slab development is less likely, however, lingering wind slabs may still be sensitive to human triggers.  Leeward terrain features, mid-slope depressions, and cross-loaded catchment zones in the alpine will be areas of primary concern. Northerly and easterly aspects may be particularly tricky to read. Damaging north winds yesterday largely stripped high elevation starting zones back to old snow surfaces. As a result panels of wind slabs are more likely to be found in mid-slope catchment zones such as near cliff bands, in cross-loaded gully features, and further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them.  Be particularly cautious in extreme & complex terrain where even a small avalanche could cause a bad fall. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, stiff hollow feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

     

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Warm spring weather will return today with very warm temperatures and sunny skies. While continued winds out of the north may limit the potential for concerning loose wet soughing particularly art upper elevations, some surface moistening and an increased risk of rockfall should be expected on solar aspects today. In general, solar aspects are quite thin, and old snow has largely been cooked down at this point. However, recent snow accumulations are receiving their first real warm-up and should be approached with elevated caution. Keep in mind that the sun is higher in the sky these days increasing the solar input immensely.

    Keep an eye out for early warning signs such as sticky and moist surface snow, rollerballs & pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration. These are all 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

Beyond the concern for areas of unstable snow today it remains important to keep our variable and challenging surface conditions in mind if you decide to head into the backcountry. Overall the snowpack remains quite thin with a plethora of” pre-season” obstacles exposed or buried just below the surface. Highly textured, 3-dimensional surfaces are common on all aspects, hard and slick slopes can be found at all elevations making for difficult travel, and moist, punchy, & sticky snow may make for unpredictable sliding. 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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