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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

You could still trigger a large avalanche breaking on weak layers near the ground. Look for simple terrain with deep, uniform snow cover and slope angles of less than about 35 degrees to avoid the problem. Use caution if you venture into steep, wind-affected terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    The persistent slab problem can challenge our patience. Sugary weak layers near the base of the snowpack have not gone away. Deliberate terrain choice is key to managing your exposure to a high-consequence problem that’s difficult to assess. Shooting cracks and collapses are red flags telling you to increase your safety margin. Because you can trigger persistent slabs from adjacent slopes, beware of what’s above you. Simple terrain with deep, uniform snow cover and slope angles less than about 35 degrees are the safest. Avoid steep and unsupported slopes, areas with shallow or variable snow cover, and rocky terrain. 

    Persistent slab avalanche triggered from a thin, rocky area.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds increased significantly over the past 18 hours. In the northern half of the forecast area, moderate to strong southwest wind is forecasted at all elevations today. If you see blowing snow across ridges or gullies, you can expect to find stiff slabs on the downwind side. Watch for cracking in dense surface snow on small test slopes as a sign to avoid bigger terrain. Softer snow and safer riding can be found in sheltered areas. 

    Blowing snow off the Dana Plateau (12/18/2022)

Avalanche Discussion

In the last 48 hours, a large avalanche failed on basal facets on a northeast-facing slope above treeline. Monday, shooting cracks propagated across large areas near treeline in Rock Creek. Only one localized collapse has been reported below treeline in the last four days.

Sugary facets and hard crusts are buried 2 to 4 feet below the surface. The overlying snowpack has settled into a stiff slab above about 9,000 feet. Near-surface facets have developed on shaded slopes and in sheltered areas. Exposed slopes have a variety of wind-affected snow, or have been stripped. Solar aspects have developed a hard crust.

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