Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Surface refreeze last night was weak at best. Expect surface melt to occur quickly today as the sun comes out and our warming trend continues. Small sluffs coming from steep rocky areas and increasing boot penetration are warning signs that wet snow avalanches are becoming more likely. Start early and time your day to be away from steep slopes, start zones, and the runouts of avalanche paths before the upper snowpack thaws and becomes wet.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You can expect to see surface snow melt quickly as the sun comes out this morning and air temperatures climb well above freezing. Breezy winds may slow the process in some exposed areas however after a very weak refreeze last night it won't take long for surface snow to loosen up today on all aspects. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will present elevated hazards. Wet, sticky snow surfaces, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of overhead hazards today and be ready to retreat if the surface snow thaws causing you to sink into wet and unconsolidated snow. 

    Small skier triggered wet loose avalanches at 12,500' on an E aspect. Winuba (Tom).

Avalanche Discussion

You can expect avalanche concerns to grow in size and distribution quickly as the day progresses. A very weak refreeze last night means that surface snow will begin to melt much earlier than we may have gotten used to over the last week. It also means that there is an increased chance of slab avalanche activity, particularly at lower elevations. It’s generally a good idea to get started early, climb slopes while they are hard, and be ready to descend before they become loose and unconsolidated. We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important for successful adventures. Give large cornices and glide cracks a wide berth. Plan extra time into your itinerary to deal with long approaches and closed or damaged access roads. Specialized tools like boot and/ or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary equipment to navigate hard and slick surfaces. Above all, remaining flexible on your route choice and destination will be advantageous.

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