Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
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 afternoon as new snow and strong winds create sensitive wind slabs on northerly and easterly aspects.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern and be ready for increasing hazard as the day progresses.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Rising Hazzard today will be largely driven by new snow. If today’s storm underproduces, reactive wind slabs may remain relatively 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, more destructive, 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. Winds are expected to remain in the moderate to strong realm today with sustained winds expected to be 30-60 mph with ridgetop. Keep in mind that this is within the ideal range for wind transport and slab development. 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

Winter makes a return to the area today after our last week of sunny skies and record-high temperatures. It will be vital to check back into your winter mindset and be ready for rising avalanche hazard today. While our focus will be on developing wind slabs, storm instabilities may become concerning late this afternoon if we see the high end of the forecasted snow totals.  Monitor snow totals throughout the day today if you decide to head into the backcountry, watch for signs of instability, and be ready for hazards to increase quickly throughout the day.

In the meantime, our variable and challenging surface conditions should also remain top of mind for the backcountry enthusiast. Our fresh snow may not be enough to drastically change the sliding experience today. The backcountry traveler is likely to encounter variable and challenging travel conditions ranging from punchy unsupportive snow to areas of dust on crust. In addition, recent observations have stressed our dwindling coverage. Expect new snow accumulations to hide recently exposed obstacles such as rocks, fallen trees, bushes, and wide-reaching areas of bare ground.  Don't let the promise of fresh snow lure you into letting your guard down today. Conditions in the backcountry are challenging and present a wide range of hazards.

 

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