Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Use caution as you gain elevation and transition into steep, exposed terrain. Wind drifts may be sensitive below ridgelines and at the entrance to alpine couloirs. Assess for cracking in dense surface snow before you commit. Or seek out soft snow in sheltered areas instead. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds shifted from south to northeast yesterday and increased. A few inches of fresh snow drifted into thin, dense slabs. You'll find them on the leeward sides of ridges, cross-loaded gullies, and downwind of convexities and trees. Winds are expected to remain at snow-blowing speeds today. Pay attention to blowing snow, rounded and textured drifts, and cracking as clues that wind slabs may still be sensitive. Even a relatively small avalanche can have elevated consequences above terrain traps or in complex terrain.

    Cracking in wind slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

The northern part of the forecast area saw a few inches of new snow yesterday afternoon. Shifting winds have been strong enough to drift what little snow is available for transport for the past 48 hours. Observers reported isolated wind deposits 5-6 inches thick in the June area yesterday afternoon. Winds will be gusty at upper elevations again today. Assess for new and recently deposited drifts as you gain elevation.

Besides fresh wind slabs, it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in areas where older slabs rest atop weak faceted snow or facet-crust combos. Though areas with this concerning structure are isolated in nature, they may still be reactive to human triggers. Feel for dense slabs sitting over thin windboard and sugary loose snow if you venture onto steep terrain that faces north, northeast, or northwest. It can be hard to identify problem spots. You can play it safe by sticking to simple and sheltered terrain. 

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