Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

1-4” of new snow fell last night accompanied by strong and shifting winds.  Be on the lookout for fresh and sensitive wind slabs on all aspects today, particularly in the northern half of the forecast area which received higher precipitation totals out of last night’s storm. Human-triggered avalanches will be possible today.  MODERATE danger persists near and above treeline today while LOW danger exists below treeline.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong to extreme southwest winds led to significant wind transport at upper elevations throughout the day yesterday. Our winds have shifted yet again and are expected to be predominantly out of the northeast today and continue at transportable speeds. With last night’s brief storm overperforming the forecast and bringing 1-4+” of new snow to the forecast area we can expect wind slabs to range in size and sensitivity today from fresh and sensitive to older, larger, and more stubborn.  Be on the lookout for areas of unstable snow on all aspects.  Large drifts, recent cornice growth, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

Avalanche Discussion

Field observations suggest avalanche conditions have been on a healing trend, however with new snow added to the equation during a brief storm last night, fresh wind deposits are likely to be sensitive to human triggers. Snow totals vary widely from one end of the range to the other with the bulk of our most recent precipitation being focused on the northern part of the forecast area. Keep this in mind as you make your travel plans for the day.  Do your own localized assessments as you travel in the backcountry today.  Areas that received higher snow totals will also be the areas where avalanche hazard is elevated. It will also be important to keep in mind that our strong California sun may loosen recent wind deposits on more solar aspects, potentially increasing their sensitivity.

Recent Observations

3/25- Lee Vining area- Strong winds, wind transport, variable surface conditions

3/25- June to Mammoth- Snow conditions on the San Juaquin ridge

3/25- McGee creek- transporting winds, Snow conditions, Esha Canyon

3/24 – Bishop area – Buttermilks –snow & weather conditions

3/24 – Mammoth area – Sherwins –snow & weather conditions

Regions covered