Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

On a regional scale, natural activity has become less likely.  However, it is still possible to trigger a large and destructive avalanche. Wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity will be possible to find in leeward catchment zones at all elevations. Periodic sunshine and warming temperatures may lead to some loose wet activity on solar aspects. Be on the lookout for signs of instability today and give yourself wide terrain margins to account for the potential for very large avalanches.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity may be found today.  Be particularly cautious in areas with higher snow totals from our most recent storm. This may include the northern half of the forecast area, higher elevations, and areas closer to the crest. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments, while fresh deposits will be relatively small, there is still potential to find areas with more sizable and concerning wind slabs. It will be important to monitor for continued wind transport and be prepared for deteriorating conditions during periods of continued snowfall. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Remember, extreme winds can distribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised to find wind deposits at lower elevations and further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, mid-slope rollovers, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

    (3/7/2023)

    Wind slab avalanche on Punta Bardini

  • Loose Wet

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

    Loose surface snow may become sensitive to sloughing as the strong California sun returns periodically today with warm temperatures. Expect surface snow to warm quickly today as the sun comes out and the temperatures rise. Conduct your own localized assessments if you venture onto solar aspects today and be ready to retreat if surface melt becomes concerning. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight southerly facing couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified are areas that may present elevated hazards. Wet surface snow, rollerballs, and pinwheels are signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches.

    (3/11/2023)

    Wet debris on Mt. Tom. There is a wet slab crown above the center debris flow. 3/11/23.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2.5–4

    Deep persistent slabs are a difficult problem to assess, predict and manage. While it is unlikely that a human will be enough to initiate failure on these buried persistent weak layers, a large wind slab avalanche may be just the large trigger that is needed to trigger a very large and destructive avalanche. With good coverage in the tracks of avalanche paths at all elevations, an avalanche breaking deeper in the snowpack could reach maximum runouts and impact areas like mature forests and flat terrain usually considered to be safe zones.

    (3/12/2023)

    Close-up of small cornice trigger and small wind slab that stepped down to the Deep Slab on McGee. NE 10,000'. 3/12/23

Avalanche Discussion

Periods of clear skies yesterday revealed evidence of widespread avalanche activity including many very large avalanches that ran full path. While natural activity has become less likely today, it remains possible for a rider to trigger a large and destructive avalanche. It will be important to give yourself wide terrain margins today if you decide to venture into the backcountry. Make the most out of today’s relatively quiet weather. Another strong atmospheric river event is expected to enter the region tonight and we anticipate the hazard to rise quickly.

Keep in mind that this recent run of high-intensity storms has had serious impacts on communities, infrastructure, and road crews. Considerate travel choices and strategic parking will be appreciated if you decide to venture out today. With such good coverage at lower elevations this winter, recent avalanches have been running further, impacting roadways and buildings in the communities of Virginia lakes, Mono City, June Lake, and Aspendell. It is important to practice good run-out awareness. Triggering an avalanche above infrastructure could have devastating consequences.  Have a backup plan, remember that it often takes multiple passes to clear roadways and trailhead parking. Road crews are working overtime to allow access to communities that have recently been stranded by heavy snow, avalanche activity, and flood damage. Blocking snow drifts, travel routes, and snow piles makes it impossible for road crews to finish the job.

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