Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet snow instabilities are likely today on all aspects and at all elevations. Rollerballs, wet unconsolidated surface snow, and recent avalanche activity will indicate problematic slopes. Plan to travel on slopes with colder snow surfaces and dial back your exposure to steep terrain as daytime warming occurs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Clear skies and breezy winds led to a moderate refreeze overnight. Expect surface snow to warm quickly this morning as the sun comes out and temperatures rise to near-record highs.  Wet Loose avalanches will become increasingly likely, and areas of concern will move around the compass rose throughout the day. Easterly aspects will warm first as the sun comes out this morning, followed by southerly and westerly aspects as the sun moves across the sky. Rollerballs or pinwheels and increasing boot penetration are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Radiators such as cliffbands, rock features, and confined couloirs can trap heat and exacerbate the effects of warming. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. The best way to manage Wet Loose avalanches is to ascend slopes while they remain cold and supportable and be off of steep slopes before surface snow becomes wet and unconsolidated.

    (3/24/2025)

    3/24/25

    Large Wet Loose avalanche- Nevabeh Ridge, Crowley area 

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Cornices

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

    It will be possible to see large cornice failures as our warming trend continues. Cornices can fail naturally or under the weight of a rider, and they often fail without warning.  The best way to manage this hazard is to minimize your exposure. Avoid travel below large cornices, particularly as things warm up later in the day. Keep in mind that it can be very difficult to tell how far back a cornice will break. When in doubt, give cornice features a very wide berth while traveling on ridgelines.

    (3/23/2025)

    Large cornices looming over Jaws. Mammoth Crest.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures reaching near-record highs. Despite the warm temperatures, clear skies and breezy conditions overnight led to a moderate refreeze and have helped us enter a more predictable diurnal swing. Recent observations have also reported that cold and dry snow can still be found on shaded north aspects in the high alpine. This means that some slopes within the forecast area are still transitioning and may be getting their first dose of significant warming today. Watch for changing conditions as you move through the mountains, and keep in mind that rollerballs or pinwheels and increasing boot penetration are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Get an early start and retreat from steep slopes before they become wet and unsupportable.

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