Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

HIGH avalanche danger exists at all elevations today. Natural and human-triggered avalanches are very likely.  Traveling on, near, or underneath avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Heavy snowfall and strong to extreme SW winds have created dangerous wind slab conditions on Northerly and easterly terrain at ALL Elevations. Expect the size and distribution of fresh sensitive wind slabs to grow substantially today as strong winds and heavy snow continue to impact the forecast area. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large to very large Natural and Human triggered avalanches are likely today and avalanches may run long distances and into lower angle, or treed terrain you may typically think of as “safe”. Be cognizant of what is above you today, travel in near and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    As of the time of publishing, 10-20”+ of snow has been recorded throughout the forecast area with periods of very heavy snowfall adding 2+” per hour overnight.  While snowfall rates are expected to taper off during daylight hours today, this has been a rapid and extreme loading event. It will take some time for this new snow to settle and gain cohesion. Expect storm instabilities ranging from large point release avalanches to very large storm slabs to be sensitive today. Avoid being on or under terrain over 30° today and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features cliff bands, mid-slope depressions, and exposed areas under rooflines in town.  Be warry of overhead hazards today and avoid being in or underneath avalanche terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3

    Over this past week, we have added over 60” of snow and close to 7” of water equivalent to the snowpack. It is very likely that this extreme loading event has already stressed the lower weak layers in our snowpack past their breaking point.  While it is unlikely at this point that a skier or snowboarder will trigger a persistent slab avalanche, it will be important to keep this poor structure in mind as the snow begins to settle. An avalanche occurring on these deeper weak layers is likely to be full depth and has the potential to be very large and destructive.

Avalanche Discussion

In addition to the dangerous avalanche conditions today, the risk of deep snow immersion is also concerning. This may be particularly true for small children or pets. Move-in pairs, be wary of deep tree wells and generally deep unconsolidated snow.

Regions covered