Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions will require patience and caution if you venture out today. There’s a real potential that you can trigger avalanches large enough to bury you, especially on wind-loaded slopes. Buried weak layers means avalanches can be triggered from a distance or from below. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2.5–3.5

    Strong winds will continue to drift low-density snow this morning. Large, dense slabs have developed on the leeward side of ridges and in gullies. They’ll likely stretch across entire start zones and be capable of running far down the slope. Wind slabs that break within recent storm snow could step down to buried weak layers, resulting in unsurvivable avalanches. Blowing snow and stiffer surfaces on leeward slopes should give you pause. Recent avalanches, shooting cracks, and collapses are big red flags. Avoid steep wind-loaded slopes and be extra cautious of exposing yourself to slopes below large avalanche paths. 

    Size 2 human-triggered wind slab in Redcone Bowl. 2022

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2.5–3.5

    Continued wind loading will increase stress on a weak snowpack. Avalanches breaking on old snow buried 3 to 6 feet below the surface could be triggered by the weight of a smaller avalanche or a single human. As recent snow stiffens from wind effects and settlement, more slopes could become unstable. Feedback includes collapses and deep shooting cracks. However, these signs can be inconsistent and unreliable. These avalanches could be triggered remotely from adjacent terrain. They could propagate long distances, connecting terrain features. Give yourself a wide safety margin and avoid being on or under slopes over 30°.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    As snowfall diminishes this morning, storm instabilities, both slabs and sluffs, will take time to stabilize. Riders yesterday triggered soft slab avalanches in steep, sheltered terrain near and below treeline. 3 to 4 feet of snow has fallen since the storm began, and avalanches breaking within the storm snow could be large enough to bury you. Recent natural avalanches are a good sign that human-triggering is still possible. Be cautious around steep, large terrain features or slopes with terrain traps, such as trees, gullies, and cliffs.

    (2/17/2026) Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Prior to the storm, the snowpack structure was poor on shaded slopes facing northwest to east. Most areas with an overlying slab were limited to near- and above-treeline terrain. As rapid loading and strong winds have built slabs in many areas, we’ve expanded the distribution of the persistent slab problem. Avalanches breaking on buried facets could be triggered from below start zones or from nearby flatter terrain. Usual "safe routes" should be carefully re-evaluated for exposure to connected terrain and overhead hazards. Uncertainty is a good reason to step back and be conservative today.

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