Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Southwest winds may form new wind slabs in protected terrain features near and above the treeline today. Be on the lookout for blowing snow and cracking or hollow-sounding drifts especially when transitioning into steep leeward terrain. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong and consistent southwest winds will make the most of what little snow is available for transport near and above the treeline. Expect new slabs to build in leeward terrain features today. These fresh slabs will add to a mix of wind deposits that includes small slabs built by northerly winds yesterday. The complex patchwork of wind slabs rests on a variety of old snow snow surfaces including soft weak snow in isolated areas. Evaluate terrain that encourages drifting, such as steep slopes below ridgelines, and the entrances to alpine couloirs. Take note if you see blowing snow, rippled surfaces, rounded drifts, and hollow upside-down feeling snow. Be careful about extrapolating observations that indicate stability to other nearby terrain, and diligently assess each pocket to avoid being caught by surprise. Remember that even a small avalanche can have large consequences in severe terrain.

    (2/25/2024)

    Skier triggered wind slab in the Tungstar bowl 2/25 - Pine Creek Area

Avalanche Discussion

Recent avalanche activity: No new slab avalanches reported in the past 72 hours.

Snowpack Summary: Extreme winds from March 2nd to March 5th battered the upper snowpack leaving impenetrable wind crusts and large sastrugi.  In exposed areas, the wind eroded the snowpack completely. This resulted in a very hard upper snowpack on all aspects, effectively capping weaker layers from earlier in the season. Since the wind storm, shifting winds, and light snow showers have refreshed the snow surface. There is a laminate of wind-deposited layers between knife and fist hardness in the top foot of the snowpack near and above treeline. Several cycles of warm daytime temperatures followed by clear nights with single-digit low temperatures have caused enough faceting in the surface snow to improve riding conditions. On slopes with a smooth sliding surface re-faceted snow may provide a weak interface for new wind slabs that form in the next 48 hours.

 

 

 

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