Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Winds will increase today, but with little snow available for transport developing wind slabs should remain small and isolated during daylight hours. Danger will increase overnight as modest snowfall provides building material for fresh wind slabs. Keep tabs on the timing of snowfall in your area and be cautious around fresh wind slabs in consequential terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    New wind slabs will form over the next 24 hours. However, with limited snow available for transport in windward terrain these wind slabs will likely be small. A few inches of snow late this afternoon and overnight may increase the likelihood and size of fresh slabs. Look for fresh deposits of wind-drifted snow, blowing snow, and heavy snowfall beginning earlier than expected. These are indications that the avalanche hazard is rising and wind slabs are becoming more likely. Shooting cracks within the surface snow on leeward terrain features and fresh slabs building over softer surface snow let you know that fresh wind slabs may be possible to find in your area. If these factors are present in your area be careful in transitions to steep leeward terrain and keep in mind that even a small avalanche can have higher consequences around terrain traps.

Avalanche Discussion

There is moderate uncertainty today related to the timing of this evening's snowfall and whether today's extreme wind will be able to move snow from the hardened windward snowpack into leeward terrain. Widespread blowing snow or snowfall beginning in the early afternoon may mean that the danger is rising faster than expected and wind slabs may outperform expected likelihood and size. It is important to consider the overall trend for the next 24 hours which is modest snowfall and strong winds.

Observations continue to confirm the presence of well-developed facets in the upper snowpack. These are most prominent on northerly aspects near and above treeline. As we move into a period of stormy weather a more continuous and larger slab may be gradually built over the weak structure. If you are out in the mountains today it will be worth taking note of the upper layers of the snowpack that will be buried over the coming week. 

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