Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Human triggered avalanches will be possible today.  MODERATE avalanche hazard exists near and above treeline while LOW danger exists below treeline.  2-6” of new snow fell yesterday accompanied by strong winds out of the north-northeast.  Be on the lookout for reactive wind slabs near and above treeline today, particularly on southerly aspects. Monitor for continued wind transport, evaluate snow and terrain carefully and identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday’s storm brought snow totals ranging from 2-6” across the forecast area and strong to extreme winds out of the north-northeast led to significant wind transport throughout the day. Continuing out of the northwest today, wind velocities are expected to decrease however they should remain within the ideal range for building wind slabs. It will be possible to find fresh winds slabs sensitive to human trigger today and some continued slab development should be expected.  Leeward terrain features and catchment zones on southerly aspects near and above treeline will be areas of primary concern. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, stiff hollow feeling snow, 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

What a difference a day can make. I for one am very happy to see some fresh snow on the ground! After such a long dry spell with little to no risk of avalanche activity, it is important that we change our mindset and check back into our avalanche brains. Keep in mind that surface facets, well-established surface hoar, hard & slick slopes, and facet crust combos were commonplace throughout the forecast area before this new snow. In many areas, these variable surfaces are now buried week layers and may make avalanches more sensitive than we may typically expect. The good news from an avalanche hazard perspective is that snow totals from this storm range greatly from one area to the next.  Many areas received only an inch or two. While this will present the backcountry traveler with variable and challenging travel conditions, (think dust on crust) areas with enough new snow to pose a serious avalanche risk will be more specific in distribution. Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may still be a good idea depending on where you wish to travel.

Clear blue skies and generally mild weather will be a powerful draw to get out into the hills. Keep in mind that the sun will also impact this new snow on solar aspects. Rollerballs, pinwheels, and small loose sloughs may be possible today, particularly at lower elevations, slopes with direct sun, and in areas near rock outcroppings where solar warming is amplified.

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