Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You could trigger an avalanche in areas where winds deposit new snow on all aspects near and above treeline. It will also be possible to trigger sluffs of loose dry snow in steep, unsupported terrain. Light snow covering shallowly buried obstacles remains a hazard, and is worth considering when deciding where and how to travel in the backcountry today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

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

    Up to a foot of very light snow has fallen in the last 24 hours. Loose dry avalanches will be most likely in steep, unsupported terrain where new snow rests on old slick surfaces. You could also trigger a loose dry avalanche where facets are present at the new snow/old snow interface. Loose dry avalanches can grow quickly and move fast. Be mindful of shallowly burried obstacles like rocks and fallen trees and terrain traps such as cliffbands, gully features, or mid-slope depresions that can increase the consequences of an avalanche. 

     

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Increasing winds throughout yesterday afternoon and evening will have moved snow around the mountains forming unstable wind deposits in exposed terrain near and above treeline. Expect the size and distribution of fresh wind slabs to increase as you go up in elevation. With variable ridgetop winds from east to north to northwest, you may be able to find unstable wind slabs on any aspect today. Unstable wind slabs are likely to be found beneath ridgelines, in bowls and depressions, in crossloaded gullies, and in catchment zones where wind can funnel snow. Look for signs such as blowing snow, cornice formation, and cracking to alert you to slab development. Textured, stiff snow can also clue you in to the problem. With the new snow being so light, it won't take much wind to form slabs. Consider heightened consequences as many shallowly buried obstacles exist, especially in steep, exposed terrain. 

    (1/4/2025) Wind effected snow failing at the corner of a skin track.

Avalanche Discussion

We've got fresh snow in the mountains to entice the backcountry enthusiast today. There is a lot of variability in snow totals and wind speeds throughout our region. You can expect the size and distribution of avalanche concerns to be greater in areas that received higher snow totals out of the strom.

It is especially important to consider and take a look at the new snow/old snow interfaces in areas you travel today. There is inconsistency on a slopescale level, but generally speaking, you can expect to find supportable and unsupportsble crusts, as well as facets beneath the new snow. While none of these want to bond well with the new snow, some interfaces may prove more reactive than others. 

Before heading out, consider that the new snow is incredibly light and has hidden rocks, trees and bushes that were exposed less than 48 hrs ago. Because the snow is so light, you will sink to whatever is beneath you. Be mindful of how and where you travel in the mountains today. Overall, coverage remains low. Don't let powder fever lure you into shark infested waters! 

Regions covered