Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Another warm and sunny day will mean that small Loose-Wet sloughs that could enlarge and entrain enough snow to become problematic will again become possible today on steep E to S to W facing slopes, and even lower elevation N facing slopes, as they warm and become wet. While avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE on these slopes near and below treeline, consequential loose-wet slides are also possible in extreme confined terrain above treeline. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today’s loose-wet avalanche conditions should again be quite similar to the last few days. While not widespread, everyday people have found evidence of recent loose-wet slides such as the one is this picture of the SE Gully on Mt. Baldwin which occurred sometime in the last few days. High temperatures today are again expected into the upper 40s at mid-elevations, but SW winds gusting up to 50mph over ridgetops should keep exposed upper elevation slopes from warming excessively. That being said, even up high small shallow loose-wet releases in confined terrain heated by nearby rocks could grow to be quite consequential. Timing is everything, start early. Pay attention to how much surface snow is warming and recognize the potential consequences of loose-wet slides particularly on long steep slopes and slopes that funnel through a gully or end in a depression. Especially be sure not to find yourself climbing under a steep slope with significantly warming snow or large cornice above you.    

    D2.5 Loose-Wet avalanche which came down the SE gully of Mt Baldwin sometime in the last few days.

Avalanche Discussion

Extensive high cloud cover yesterday evening and a forecast of cloudy skies overnight, combined with the relatively warm overnight temperatures we have been having, gave concern that we might have had a weak overnight snow-surface refreeze. However clear starry skies at 4:30 this morning and hard frozen snow outside of the house indicates that a decent refreeze likely happened again after all.

Remember while deep penetration into wet snow is definitely a red flag to seek lower angle or more shady terrain, even shallow wet snow ontop of a firmer crust can produce sloughs that can enlarge and become consequential.

Besides avalanche concerns, frozen firm conditions in the morning make crampons and ice axes/whippets prudent tools to use this time of year. Lower elevation terrain can also become quite manky and challenging to ski later in the day; be kind to those knees and ankles!

Recent Observations

-4/3 – McGee Creek – SE Gully of Mt Baldwin: Large Loose-Wet avalanche.

-4/3 – Mammoth Mtn – South Side: Warming snow conditions.

-4/2 – North of June – Bloody Canyon: Small Loose-Wet Sloughs, Rollerballs

-4/2 – June Area – Two Teats: Warming snow and weather

-4/2 – Mammoth Lakes Basin – Hamil Bowl: Conditions.

-4/2 – Mammoth Backside – Fresno Bowl: Strong ridgetop winds and snow softening.

Regions covered