Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

If you venture into steep terrain today, you’re likely to trigger an avalanche. The most dangerous areas are leeward slopes where dense drifts could be 2 to 5 feet thick. In sheltered terrain, soft snow avalanches could be large enough to carry and bury you. Conservative terrain choices, with low slope angles, are the safest way to start the new year.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Heavy snowfall and strong winds over the past 24 hours have built large wind slabs on leeward slopes. Winds were primarily from the southwest, though the top of Mammoth Mountain recorded variable wind directions during the storm. As the system moves inland, winds have shifted to the north. If northerly winds continue, expect to find smaller, fresher slabs on atypical aspects. Look for areas of blowing snow and slopes that promote drifting - steep terrain below ridges, gullies, and depressions - and avoid them. Be aware of that kind of terrain above you.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snowfall rates increased throughout yesterday and continued until early this morning. Storm instabilities, both slabs, and sluffs, will become less sensitive throughout the day, though they’ll be big enough to deserve your attention. The safest way to avoid getting caught by a dangerous amount of moving snow is to stick to terrain with modest slope angles. Convexities and confided terrain features deserve particular caution. Be wary of overhead hazards.

    Intentionally-triggered slab avalanche below treeline. (12/30/2022)

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Persistent weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack have been stressed significantly over the last 48 hours. Large persistent slab avalanches have been reported after each of the recent storms. While unlikely, an avalanche breaking near the ground has the potential to be very large and destructive. Steep and unsupported slopes, areas with shallow trigger points, and areas with a generally thinner snowpack are places to consider as you make travel plans today.

    Persistent Slab avalanche that released in steep rocky start zone with shallow snow cover.

Avalanche Discussion

Snowfall has begun to wain this morning as the main atmospheric river pushes to the south and east. Precipitation that started as heavy rain into the middle elevation band transitioned to dense, wet snow. As temperatures dropped overnight, the rain from early in the storm likely froze, creating a good sliding surface under more recent snow. 

Strong wind stiffened the surface snow at all elevations. As the storm exits stage right, they have shifted to the north. Above about 10,000 feet, cold north winds this morning will have plenty of soft snow to deposit on atypical aspects. 

More avalanche accidents occur at considerable danger than any other hazard rating. As the storm clears, on a holiday weekend, don’t let powder fever cloud your judgment. Our complex snowpack has just taken a wallop, and avalanche conditions remain dangerous. Use terrain to your advantage, and have a safe start to 2023!

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