Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

You could still trigger a very large avalanche breaking on weak layers 2 to 4 feet below the surface. Be wary of wind slabs in steep, leeward terrain. The safest riding is on sheltered slopes, and in simple terrain with slope angles less than about 30 degrees. 

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Many avalanches from the last storm broke across terrain features on steep rocky slopes. Reports of red flags, like collapses and shooting cracks, continue where the snowpack is shallowest, especially at the north and south ends of the forecast area. Sugary weak layers at the base of the snowpack are buried deeper near the Mammoth Crest, where they may not give such clear warning signs. Discipline and patience are key to avoid triggering a very large avalanche. Steer clear of complex, steep, and rocky terrain. Beware of overhead hazards. Persistent slab avalanches can be triggered from adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety margin to limit your exposure to a high-consequence problem that is difficult to assess.

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds drifted soft snow onto leeward aspects near and above treeline on Tuesday. Ridgetop winds increased from the north overnight. They are forecasted to decrease throughout the day, though fresh drifts may remain sensitive for hours or days after they form. Watch for blowing snow. Snow banners point to the slopes where you're most likely to find the problem. Use caution in steep, exposed terrain where the snow texture is rippled and stiff. Below ridgelines and on the sidewalls of gullies, watch for cracking in rounded, dune-like formations. If the wind outperforms the forecast, expect drifts to be larger and more sensitive. Sheltered terrain will have better, safer snow. 

Avalanche Discussion

Sugary facets and hard crusts are buried 2 to 4 feet below the surface. The overlying snowpack is settling into a stiff, thick slab. Soft snow at the surface has been blowing in the wind, filling in skin tracks and creating small drifts. 

We’ve gotten more reports of avalanches that failed during the recent storm. Many of these broke across terrain features and in rocky areas, which hints that they may have failed on weak layers buried on December 1st. Shooting cracks and collapsing continue to show the delicate nature of our snowpack. High pressure and quiet weather make it easy to let your guard down. But it’s important to remain vigilant to avoid deadly surprises. 

Join us tonight, Wednesday, December 14, at 6pm at the Mountain Rambler Brewery in Bishop for the first of our Avalanche Awareness evening series. ESAC Forecaster Everett Phillips will be presenting on strategies for Maximizing the Avalanche Forecast. Can’t make it in person? You can join us virtually. We look forward to seeing you there!

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