Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The avalanche hazard will rise quickly today as heavy snowfall and strong winds impact the region. Natural and human-triggered avalanches will become increasingly likely throughout the day. Monitor changing conditions closely and be prepared to move to less consequential terrain as the hazard increases.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Storm instabilities will not be a major concern this morning, but may develop this afternoon in steep, sheltered terrain at lower elevations. Monitor the storm closely and be ready to move to more mellow terrain as new snow begins to accumulate. Sluffing and cracking in the surface snow are signs that the hazard is increasing and indicate that consequential avalanches are becoming more likely. Be aware of terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches, such as road cuts, cliff bands, and gully features.

    (1/4/2026)

    Small Storm slab avalanche- Intentionally triggered.

    1/4/26 - 8600' - NE Aspect

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Strong to extreme southwesterly winds will accompany todays storm, depositing snow on the leeward side of ridgelines. The size and sensitivity of avalanches will increase rapidly and may overload buried weak layers as new snow accumulates.  With minimal visibility expected during the storm, identifying wind-loaded slopes will become increasingly difficult throughout the day.  Monitor the storm closely and be prepared to move to lower-angle, sheltered terrain as snowfall rates increase.

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Significant faceting occurred near and at the surface during our January dry spell. These weak layers are currently resting below 6-18” of mostly unconsolidated snow that fell during last week’s quick-moving storm.  Rapid loading today will help consolidate a slab and stress these buried weak layers. As new snow is added to the equation today, you can expect the distribution of persistent slab avalanches to expand and resulting avalanches to become larger and more sensitive to human trigger. Areas to be particularly concerned with will be sheltered and shaded areas near and above treeline.

    If triggered, an avalanche could fail with little warning, propagating long distances and beyond terrain features that typically contain surface instabilities, such as storm or wind slabs. Long shooting cracks or significant collapsing in the snowpack indicate that you have found the problem. The best way to manage persistent slab avalanches is to give yourself a wide safety margin and avoid being on or under slopes over 30°.  

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Today’s storm has been slow to arrive, and at the time of writing this, we have no new snow in the Eastern Sierra. We expect this to change quickly this morning, and it is likely to be a whole new world by this evening. Keep this in mind if you decide to venture out today. Monitor changing conditions closely and have options to move to less consequential terrain as the day progresses.

Regions covered