Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist on a regional scale. Exercise caution in exposed or extreme terrain. Adjust your travel plans if you encounter signs of unstable snow and be ready to move to shaded aspects if surface warming becomes concerning.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures will lead to surface warming on solar aspects. A hard refreeze last night and gusty winds will work together to limit warming at higher elevations. Wet Loose avalanches may become possible on sun-exposed slopes at lower elevations by midday, particularly if wind speeds fall short of the forecast. Rock outcroppings and cliff bands will amplify the effects of solar warming. A wet, sticky snow surface and rollerballs may foreshadow Wet Loose avalanches. Do your own localized assessments and be ready to retreat to shaded aspects if surface melt becomes concerning.  

    (1/12/2026)

    Deliberately triggered. Small wet loose avalanche, south-facing 10,500.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

Avalanche Discussion

On a regional scale, avalanche activity remains unlikely. While isolated instabilities may exist on solar slopes or in extreme terrain, there are several other factors to consider when planning your day. Variable surface conditions could make travel difficult in some areas. In terrain exposed to the wind, particularly in the high alpine, you may encounter a variety of wind-scoured or hard and slick surfaces. On sun-exposed slopes, you can expect surfaces to warm during the heat of the day. However, early in the morning and late in the afternoon, these same slopes are likely to have a thin, often breakable surface crust. The snow line is rising, and creeks are beginning to open as daytime highs reach the upper 40s/low 50s. Cold, dry snow continues to be reported on sheltered, shaded slopes and may provide the most pleasant experience for the backcountry enthusiast. Dry, sunny weather and favorable avalanche conditions make this a great time to get out and explore the range of light. If you decide to head out into the hills, be ready for a variety of conditions and consider posting an observation to share what you see with the greater community. 

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