Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

Highlights

Consequential avalanches failing on buried weak layers are possible as you gain elevation. Cracking, collapsing, and recent avalanches are all indicators of hazardous conditions. Choosing conservative terrain is the best way to avoid the hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Our extended January drought built a worrisome weak layer, and this past week's stormy weather capped it with a wind-drifted slab. Multiple older, buried weak layers exist lower in the snowpack, and an avalanche may step down. Persistent slabs are unpredictable and difficult to manage. Remote triggers are possible, and an avalanche may break bigger and run farther than you expect. Shooting cracks and collapses are clear signs you have found the problem. However, finding signs of instability may be irregular. The best way to avoid this problem is to make conservative terrain choices during your travels.  

    (2/8/2026)

    Old persistent slab avalanche on northerly terrain off Royce Peak. This slide likely ran during the 1/4-1/5 cycle.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures are expected to be warm today. Without significant cloud cover or gusty winds, the surface on solar slopes will become wet. As we move into the afternoon, wet loose avalanches will become possible on sunny slopes. Steep, thin, and rocky places will warm quickly. If you see a wet surface, roller balls and pinwheels, or recent wet loose avalanches, move to shadier terrain to avoid the hazard. 

    (1/12/2026)

    Deliberately triggered. Small wet loose avalanche, south-facing 10,500.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

Avalanche Discussion

Persistent slab avalanches are inherently difficult to predict, and our uncertainty surrounding this problem remains high. Cracking and collapsing have been reported; however, these signs of instability have not been consistent, and at least one observation notes no signs of instability prior to triggering an avalanche. Today, consider the avalanche hazard "spooky moderate." Natural activity is unlikely, but it remains possible that a human may still trigger a large, consequential, persistent slab avalanche. 

As we head into a busy weekend, continue practicing safe travel. Remember that the presence of old tracks does not make a slope safe to travel on. Continue to build in significant safety margins to your tour plans. Apply conservative terrain choices and careful route-finding to limit your exposure. Ski one at a time and regroup in places out of harm's way. Bring a cautious mindset and tread with care. Over the next few days, success will be measured by a safe return home from each mountain adventure.  

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