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

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist. While the potential for natural avalanches is decreasing, human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Approach steep wind-loaded slopes with caution and be aware of terrain features that increase the consequences of an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Reactive wind slabs were observed near treeline during yesterday's loading event. Winds increased as the storm cleared last night and are expected to remain at moderate to strong speeds today. Copious amounts of new snow remain available for transport. Expect the size and distribution of wind slabs to increase as you gain elevation.  Be wary of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large to very large human-triggered avalanches are likely today, and avalanches may run long distances and into lower-angle, or sheltered terrain, which you may typically think of as “safe”. 

    (1/4/2026)

    Small Wind slab avalanche- Intentionally triggered.

    1/4/26 - 8800' - NE Aspect

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Snowfall rates during the day yesterday reached over 2” an hour, and storm totals of 12-30" + have been recorded throughout the range. Avalanches breaking within the new snow are expected to become less likely throughout the day. However, these avalanches could be large enough to bury you. Approach steep terrain with caution and be aware of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

    (1/4/2026)

    Small Storm slab avalanche- Intentionally triggered.

    1/4/26 - 8600' - NE Aspect

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    It will be difficult for a skier or rider to trigger a persistent slab avalanche. A larger trigger, such as a breaking cornice or a wind slab avalanche, may tip the scales and initiate a failure in deeply buried weak layers. An avalanche breaking near the ground today could be very large and destructive. Steep, unsupported slopes that held snow in mid-December are the areas we are most concerned about. In general, these slopes will be found on northerly and easterly aspects near and above treeline. Persistent slabs challenge our patience, and managing them requires extensive evaluation and careful terrain selection. Persistent slab avalanches often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine surface instabilities, such as wind or storm slabs, and, in some cases, can be remotely triggered from adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety margin, be wary of hazards above you, and make conservative terrain choices to limit your exposure.

Avalanche Discussion

Don’t let the promise of sunny skies and fresh snow lure you into making poor decisions today. Human-triggered avalanches remain likely. Keep in mind that most avalanche accidents occur on considerable hazard days following a big storm. Patience is the key. We expect a generally stabilizing trend over the coming days as we shift to dry, sunny weather.

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