Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The danger will rise as new snow drifts onto downwind slopes below ridges and in gullies. Thin new slabs will be sensitive and increase in size throughout the day. Protected terrain with low slope angles is a safer bet. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Sensitive wind deposits will start small and grow by this afternoon, especially where the most new snow falls. Increasing south winds will drift new snow onto leeward terrain, where the old surface will form a fragile interface under the new slabs.  The safest way to avoid triggering wind slabs is to steer clear of features that have filled in with drifted snow. Steep terrain below ridges, convex rolls, and gullies will be problem areas. Watch for shooting cracks in wind-blown snow as the most obvious sign of instability. Seek lower slope angles and wind-sheltered terrain as safer alternatives. 

    (1/4/2026)

    Small Wind slab avalanche- Intentionally triggered.

    1/4/26 - 8800' - NE Aspect

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

The first real winter storm in a month has begun. A wave of precipitation that started overnight lingers this morning before heavier snowfall develops this afternoon. Winds and blowing snow will increase the likelihood of slab avalanches through Wednesday. Small loose dry avalanches will be possible in steep, protected terrain. 

Before this storm, surfaces varied by aspect and elevation. Melt-freeze crusts cover what little snow there is on southerly aspects. The lowest elevations were also predominantly crusty. On north-facing slopes, impressive near-surface facets have developed. There’s a thin layer of these troublesome snow grains atop old wind board in the alpine. The weak layer is almost a foot thick in wind-protected areas. As new snow accumulates on the old surface, avalanches may become surprisingly sensitive. 

Weak facet/crust combos and depth hoar buried earlier this winter rest midpack and near the ground, especially south of Mammoth and north of June, where the snowpack is shallower. These layers will likely need a heavier load before they wake up. With larger wind slabs developing this afternoon and overnight, they could become a concern for step-down avalanches by the end of the storm.

This is a big change for us after prolonged high pressure and low danger. The safest move is to shift your mindset to match the conditions. 

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