Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Until the storm picks up, expect wind slabs to grow in size and sensitivity in steep, leeward terrain near and above treeline. Traveling in avalanche terrain will not be recommended by this afternoon when heavy snowfall, gale-force winds, and rain on snow will cause the hazards to rise rapidly. Conditions will continue to deteriorate into tomorrow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    Wind slabs will grow in size and sensitivity today as strong southwest winds redistribute new and recent snow. You will find dense drifts on the leeward side of ridgelines and on the sidewalls of gullies near and above treeline. Blowing snow, shooting cracks, and recent natural avalanches are all red flags pointing to unstable wind slabs. As winds and snowfall increase this afternoon, so will the threat of natural and human-triggered avalanches large enough to kill you at all elevations. A good strategy this morning: choosing wind-sheltered terrain. By late afternoon: traveling on and under slopes steep enough to slide will be increasingly dangerous. 

    (3/7/2023)

    Wind slab avalanche on Punta Bardini

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2.5–4

    The likelihood of triggering a persistent slab avalanche will increase this afternoon. In the southern half of the forecast zone, Virginia Creek, and areas further from the crest, weak facets are closer to the surface and human triggering is a greater concern. By the time heavy snowfall, extreme winds, and rain on snow begin to test these layers travel in avalanche terrain will not be recommended. If you venture out this morning, avoid steep convexities, unsupported slopes, shallow rocky areas, and complex terrain. Later this evening, unsurvivable natural and human-triggered avalanches breaking deep in the snowpack could become likely.

    (3/2/2023)

Avalanche Discussion

Be mindful of increasingly sensitive, small to large wind slabs and the possibility of very large persistent slab avalanches in steep complex terrain this morning. 

High avalanche danger will not happen until heavy snowfall and extreme winds set in this afternoon. Increasing snowfall rates and rising temperatures will create upside-down soft slabs. Rain on snow tonight could cause dense debris flows in steep terrain. Avalanches could run down to low elevations. Inches of water will fall over a short time period and continue tomorrow. Dense, heavy snow can overload structures and roofalanches could be a hazard in towns after dark. It’s possible that roads could close. If not, remember that blocking snow drifts, travel routes, and snow piles makes it impossible for road crews to do their job. The entire forecast area will be affected by this storm. 

Regions covered