Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous and diverse avalanche conditions exist. Fresh and sizable wind deposits are of greatest concern; however, storm instabilities remain possible in more sheltered areas near and below treeline.  Approach steep terrain with caution today and be aware of terrain features that increase the consequence of an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Decreasing wind speeds will limit the potential for continued slab development today. However, wind slabs deposited during the heavy snowfall and strong SW winds over the past 24 are likely to be large and reactive. While most concerning near and above treeline, strong winds can redistribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find reactive wind deposits in isolated areas below treeline and further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large to very large human-triggered avalanches are likely today and avalanches may run long distances and into lower angle, or treed terrain you may typically think of as “safe”. 

    (12/28/2022)

    Crown line and bed surface of size 2 human-triggered wind slab in Redcone Bowl

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snowfall rates during the day yesterday hit periods with over 2” an hour and storm totals from 12-30" + have been recorded throughout the range. Storm instabilities such as storm slab avalanches and loose surface sluffs are expected to gain strength relatively quickly today. However, avalanches breaking within the new snow could be large enough to bury you. Approach steep terrain over 30° with caution today and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    On a regional scale, our persistent slab problem has become unreactive. The weight of a skier or rider alone is unlikely to be enough. A larger trigger such as a breaking cornice or a wind slab avalanche may be required to initiate a failure in these deeper weak layers. However, an avalanche breaking near the ground has the potential to be very large and destructive today. Steep and unsupported slopes, areas with shallow trigger points, and areas with a generally thinner snowpack are areas to consider. Persistent slabs challenge our patience and managing this problem requires extensive evaluation and deliberate terrain choice. Persistent slab avalanches often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine surface instabilities such as wind or storm slabs and in some cases persistent slab avalanches can be remotely triggered from adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety margin, be wary of hazards that may reside above you, and use terrain choice to limit your exposure.

    (1/2/2023)

    D3 avalanche triggered with explosives by the June Mountain Ski Patrol on 20230101. Avalanche failed on wet facets at the base of the snowpack..

Avalanche Discussion

Don’t let the promise of quiet weather and fresh snow lure you into making poor decisions today. More avalanche fatalities have occurred during periods of considerable hazard than at any other. While the potential for natural avalanche activity has decreased, human-triggered avalanches remain likely and resulting avalanches have the potential to be large and destructive. Careful snowpack evaluation and deliberate terrain choice remain prudent today.

Regions covered