Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

*An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the forecast area until 0700 tomorrow morning.*

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist at all elevations as intense snowfall and strong winds continue to impact our forecast area. Natural avalanches large enough to bury you are likely. Avoid exposure to avalanche terrain today, including flat terrain beneath large avalanche paths. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Strong southwest winds continue, along with heavy snowfall today. Large, dense slabs will continue to grow on the leeward side of ridges and in gullies. Buried weak layers in the upper snowpack will add sensitivity for freshly loaded slopes.  Avalanches are expected to fail naturally and without warning. With minimal visibility expected during the storm, identifying wind-loaded slopes will be increasingly difficult. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain today.  

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Rapid loading today will continue to add stress to a complex and weak snowpack. Persistent slab avalanches will become larger and more sensitive as the day progresses.  An avalanche failing within the old snow will be large and could initiate with little or no warning. Persistent slab avalanches can be triggered remotely from adjacent terrain and can propagate long distances, beyond terrain features that typically contain surface instabilities, such as storm or wind slabs.  Give yourself a wide safety margin and avoid being on or under slopes over 30°. 

    (2/11/2026)

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Storm instabilities, both slabs and sluffs, will grow in size and become more sensitive as the day progresses. Avalanches failing within the new snow were reported yesterday in steep, sheltered terrain. 16-26 inches of snow have fallen thus far, and snowfall rates over 2 inches per hour are forecast for most of the day today. Avalanches triggered today have the potential to be large enough to bury you. Avoid being on or under slopes steeper than about 30 degrees. 

    (1/4/2026)

    Small Storm slab avalanche- Intentionally triggered.

    1/4/26 - 8600' - NE Aspect

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Today will bring the most intense snowfall of our current storm system.  Snow events like this one, especially when paired with a persistent weak layer, are notorious for producing avalanches that surprise even professionals. Usual "safe routes" should be carefully re-evaluated for exposure to connected terrain and overhead hazards. With loading like this, some avalanches could run across multiple elevation bands and into treed or flat terrain you might typically consider safe.  

In addition, there may be unexpected areas with increased avalanche hazards. Large drifts on exposed rooflines in town, or steep snowbanks and road cuts, are areas to monitor. Furthermore, very deep, unconsolidated snow will make travel difficult and has increased the risk of deep-snow immersion. Travel in pairs if you venture outside today. Be mindful of unusual or unexpected hazards and keep an eye on pets and small children.

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