Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche hazard exists at all elevations this morning.  The avalanche hazard is expected to rise throughout the day becoming MODERATE near and above treeline by this evening as new snow and strong winds create sensitive wind slabs on northerly and easterly aspects. Rising hazard will largely be dependent on new snow totals today, conducting your own localized assessments will be critical. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern and be ready for increasing hazards as the day progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    The size and distribution of fresh and sensitive wind slabs will be largely driven by new snow accumulation today. If today’s storm underproduces, reactive wind slabs may remain thin and limited to isolated areas on leeward terrain features. On the flip side, if we hit the high-end of the forecasted snow totals, we can expect wind slabs to be larger, and more specific in distribution. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments and monitor snow totals closely. Our prevailing southwest winds will keep our focus on northerly and easterly aspects today. Winds are expected to remain in the extreme realm with sustained winds approaching 100 mph and ridgetop gusts over 120 mph. Keep in mind that Strong winds can redistribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find isolated wind deposits at lower elevations, further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them, and in areas generally thought of as sheltered. Blowing snow, large drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

Avalanche Discussion

While winter has returned to the region, we do not expect significant snow totals from this storm. Nevertheless, it will be critical to monitor localized accumulations closely. In addition, it is prudent that we keep old surface conditions in mind as we look to the future. Hard and slick slopes will make good bed surfaces, near-surface facets, and facet crust combos will make reactive weak layers, and new snow will almost certainly mask obstacles that have recently made an appearance on the surface. As these surfaces are buried by new snow it will be time to shift our mindset accordingly.

While any new snow is a welcome sight, limited snow totals may not be enough to drastically change the sliding experience. The backcountry traveler is likely to encounter variable and challenging travel conditions today (think "dust on crust").  A variety of surface crusts and hard and slick surfaces are commonplace throughout the forecast area, particularly in exposed areas near and above treeline. Be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, exposed rocks and bare ground, tight rocky chokes, and stands of trees. Even an otherwise innocuous fall could easily lead to a perilous “slide for life” situation. Slow it down and remain vigilant if you find yourself in steep or consequential terrain. Equipment like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be critical even at lower elevations or in protected areas you may not typically expect to need them.

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