Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet snow instabilities will become increasingly likely today as the sun comes out and temperatures reach near-record highs. Rollerballs, wet, unconsolidated surface snow, and recent avalanche activity are warning signs that highlight dangerous slopes. Be wary of large cornice features that may be prone to failure, plan to travel on slopes with colder snow surfaces, and dial back your exposure to steep terrain as daytime warming occurs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today will be the warmest day of the week, with daytime highs expected over 50° at upper elevations.  Surface snow will warm quickly this morning as the sun comes out and temperatures reach near-record highs.  Wet Loose avalanches will become increasingly likely, and areas of concern will move around the compass rose throughout the day. Easterly aspects will warm first as the sun comes out this morning, followed by southerly and westerly aspects as the sun moves across the sky. Rollerballs or pinwheels and increasing boot penetration are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Radiators such as cliffbands, rock features, and confined couloirs can trap heat and exacerbate the effects of warming. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. The best way to manage Wet Loose avalanches is to ascend slopes while they remain cold and supportable and be off steep slopes before surface snow becomes wet and unconsolidated.

  • Cornices

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

    It will be possible to see large cornice failures as our warming trend continues. Cornices can fail naturally or under the weight of a rider, and they often fail without warning.  The best way to manage this hazard is to minimize your exposure. Avoid traveling below large cornices, particularly as things warm up later in the day. Keep in mind that it can be very difficult to tell how far back a cornice will break. When in doubt, give cornice features a very wide berth while traveling on ridgelines.

    (3/23/2025) Photo: Samantha Rubin

Avalanche Discussion

Significant wet loose activity has been observed up and down the range during this week’s warm-up. Multiple days of near-record temperatures and a weak refreeze last night mean that wet instabilities will develop quickly this morning. We are firmly into the season where it is advantageous to get an early start. 

Beyond the risk of Wet Loose avalanches, there are several other hazards for the backcountry enthusiast to consider. Rockfall becomes more likely during the spring as the mountains move through diurnal melt-freeze cycles. Variable and slick surfaces may make for challenging travel conditions. Specialized tools like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary depending on where you wish to travel. Snowlines have been creeping up, and approaches may be difficult and time-consuming. No matter where you wish to travel in the coming days, set yourself up for success by getting an early start and making a plan to be back in flip-flops before the heat of the day.

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