Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet snow instabilities will become increasingly likely today as the sun comes out and temperatures rise. Rollerballs, wet, unconsolidated surface snow, and recent avalanche activity are warning signs that highlight dangerous slopes. Plan to travel on slopes with colder snow surfaces and dial back your exposure to steep terrain as daytime warming occurs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Following a poor refreeze, you can expect surface snow to warm quickly this morning as the sun comes out and temperatures rise to near-record highs.  Wet Loose avalanches will become increasingly likely, and areas of concern will move around the compass rose throughout the day. Easterly aspects will warm first as the sun comes out this morning, followed by southerly and westerly aspects as the sun moves across the sky. Rollerballs or pinwheels and increasing boot penetration are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Radiators such as cliffbands, rock features, and confined couloirs can trap heat and exacerbate the effects of warming. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. The best way to manage Wet Loose avalanches is to ascend slopes while they remain cold and supportable and be off steep slopes before surface snow becomes wet and unconsolidated.

    (4/8/2025)

    Wet Loose Activity - Mt Tom, Elderberry Headwall

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Cornices

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

    It will be possible to see large cornice failures as our warming trend continues. Cornices can fail naturally or under the weight of a rider, and they often fail without warning.  The best way to manage this hazard is to minimize your exposure. Avoid travel below large cornices, particularly as things warm up later in the day. Keep in mind that it can be very difficult to tell how far back a cornice will break. When in doubt, give cornice features a very wide berth while traveling on ridgelines.

    (3/24/2025)

    Large cornices above NE slopes, 11,500', ATL. 

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be the warmest day of the week thus far, with temperatures reaching near-record highs. Warm temperatures, clear skies, and breezy conditions overnight led to a superficial refreeze, and you can expect surface snow to warm very quickly as the sun comes out and temperatures rise. Recent observations have indicated that cold and dry snow can still be found on shaded north aspects in the high alpine. This means that some slopes within the forecast area are still transitioning and may be getting their first dose of significant warming today. As you move through the mountains, keep an eye out for changing conditions and signs of instability.

Beyond the risk of avalanches, there are several other hazards for the backcountry enthusiast to consider. Rockfall becomes more likely during the spring as the mountains move through diurnal melt-freeze cycles. Variable and slick surfaces may make for challenging travel conditions. Specialized tools like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary depending on where you wish to travel. Snowlines have been creeping up, and approaches may be difficult and time-consuming. No matter where you wish to travel in the coming days, set yourself up for success by getting an early start and making a plan to be back in flip-flops before the heat of the day.

Regions covered