Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Wet loose avalanches will be possible on some favored terrain features, especially near rocky outcrops, as the day warms. You can avoid the problem by moving away from steep slopes with overhead hazards if you feel the snow getting too wet. Overnight, avalanche type will shift from spring sluffs to wintry wind slabs, and the danger will rise as a cold and windy storm moves into the region.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Small wet loose avalanches will become possible in areas with the most daytime warming. Poor refreeze overnight at lower elevations means those areas could thaw more quickly. As clouds decrease and temperatures rise, thawing surface crusts or roller balls coming down from cliff bands are signs that loose wet avalanches are still 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. Even a small wet loose avalanche above terrain traps or in extreme terrain can have big consequences.

    (3/21/2024)

    Table Mountain wet loose avalanche. NE, 8800 ft. D1

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

A week-long spring melt-freeze cycle has resulted in small to large wet loose avalanches each day through Thursday. The majority of reported avalanches have been on easterly aspects (NE-E-SE) and south of the Mammoth area.

Overnight freezes have been brief below about 9500 feet all week. Temperatures will be warm again today, though increasing winds and variable cloud cover could make areas of deep wet snow less widespread. Uncertainty in today's forecast revolves around the duration and extent of surface melting. Localized assessments of the terrain around and above you will be key.

A windy winter storm moves into our region overnight with a foot or more of new snow forecast through Saturday. Expect the avalanche danger to rise as new and drifted snow falls onto hard, slick melt-freeze crusts and patches of softer, weaker snow on northerly aspects.

Regions covered