Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

A fresh blanket of new snow makes it possible to trigger a sizable avalanche in terrain where the wind has deposited slabs of stiffened snow. These are most likely near ridgelines, convex rollovers, and alpine couloirs. Loose avalanches may also be a concern in steep, unsupported terrain. Keep an eye out for signs of instability today, such as surface cracks and recent avalanche activity. Be ready for conditions to change throughout the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Field observations noted reactive wind deposits near and above treeline during yesterday’s storm. Shifting wind direction and decreasing speeds today will limit the potential for continued slab development, and natural activity has become unlikely. However, slabs formed during yesterday’s storm may still be reactive to your weight. Keep an eye out for clues that indicate nearby wind deposits, such as fresh drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces. Be particularly cautious in areas with higher snow totals from yesterday’s storm. This may include higher elevations and areas closer to the crest. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, and cross-loaded depressions. Look for signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in upside-down snow and recent avalanche activity.  

    (12/24/2024)

    Crown of recent wind slab avalanche

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Loose Dry

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

    Up to 10" of light and unconsolidated snow fell during yesterday's storm, and cold temperatures overnight have likely kept this new snow loose and unconsolidated. Loose surface sluffs may entrain enough snow to be concerning on steep, wind-protected slopes. While this will be most concerning in sheltered areas near and below the treeline, we can't rule out the possibility in protected areas above the treeline. Loose-dry avalanches will be most concerning in areas with terrain features that elevate the consequences of an avalanche. This may include alpine couloirs, steep or extreme terrain, and around terrain traps like road cuts, creek beds, or cliffbands.

     

    (12/24/2024)

    Small Loose Dry avalanche.

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Loose Wet

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

    Partly cloudy skies, breezy winds, and chilly temperatures may be enough to keep our surface snow cold and dry today. However, if the sun comes out in full force or the temperatures are warmer than expected, we may see a transition from Dry Loose concerns to Wet Loose concerns on solar slopes throughout the day. Roller balls, pinwheels, and moist surface snow are signs that will indicate this transition and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of steep and exposed terrain later in the day, and if you notice this transition, give a wide berth to terrain that can elevate the consequences of an avalanche, such as cliff bands, steep confined terrain, or around terrain traps such as mid-slope benches, creek beds, or road cuts.

    (4/12/2024)

    D1 and 1.5 natural wet loose avalanches on NE aspect at 9200 ft, McGee. New this afternoon.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Up to 10" of new snow and quiet weather will be a powerful draw for the backcountry enthusiast today. However, if you find yourself heading into the backcountry, keep in mind that unstable snow may be possible to find on all aspects and at all elevations. The type and size of potential avalanches today will vary depending on the terrain features and time of day. Wind slab avalanches will be most concerning, but it will be worth keeping a keen eye out for transitions in the surface snow throughout the day. Beyond the risk of avalanches, it will be important to remember that plenty of obstacles like shallow rocks, fallen trees, bushes, and open water are still prevalent across the forecast area. From all of us at ESAC we wish you a very merry Christmas.

Regions covered