Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Once clouds and winds lose their cooling effects on the snow surface, temperatures are forecast to rise quickly. Wet loose avalanches will be possible on steep slopes getting sunshine, especially near rocky outcrops. The best way to avoid the problem is to be off steep slopes, and away from overhead hazards, earlier in the day before the snow gets too wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet snow avalanches will become possible as clouds and winds decrease and temperatures rise. Thawing surface crusts, sinking into wet snow past your boot top, or roller balls coming down from cliff bands are warning signs that loose wet avalanches are becoming a problem. Very steep, rocky slopes and areas with thin snow cover will warm first as the sun hits them. Conditions will vary with aspect and elevation across the forecast area. You may experience stable conditions beneath your feet while the terrain above or below you is already too warm. Localized assessments of surface thawing and deep wet snow will be key. Consider the slopes above you and plan your exit to avoid overhead hazards as the day warms.

    (3/20/2024)

    Small wet loose avalanche likely ran 3/19 at 11200 ft on a north aspect in Patricia Bowl. This initiated in the cliffs above at 12000 ft.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Reports of fresh roller balls and wet loose sluffs continued through yesterday afternoon. The most recent activity has been south of Mammoth on north and east-facing slopes below about 12000 feet. 

Southwest winds and cloud cover may keep daytime warming at bay until midday when temperatures are expected to rise quickly. The likelihood and distribution of wet snow instability across the forecast area will depend on the combination of clearing skies, rising temps, and decreasing wind. The southern half of the forecast area, rocky outcrops, chutes through cliff bands, and slopes with trees and thin snow cover could warm faster. Cornices are perched atop some ridgelines and are a hazard in their own right, deserving a wide berth whether you’re above or below them.

Regions covered