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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Highlights

It will be possible to trigger unstable wind slabs on leeward aspects near and above treeline. Recent avalanche activity, blowing snow, and cracking underfoot are signs of instabilities. Be mindful of overhead hazard, and stick to low angle, sheltered slopes to minimize your exposure. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    We may have some lingering instabilities from the new snow and winds of the last two days. Winds have shifted between south and west, redepositing snow on northerly and easterly aspects. As strong winds blow from the southwest today, we may see new wind slab formation occurr. Today's limiting factor in size and distribution is snow available for transport. Many southwest slopes are already stripped, or hold a melt-freeze crust. Blowing snow, cornice formation, and recent avalanche activity are signs that indicate areas of concern. Stiff, textured drifts could fail and break widely under ridgelines and on the sidewalls of gullies. Be especially mindful of cross-loaded slopes and wind deposits that may be largest or most sensitive mid-slope, rather than in traditional start zones. Don’t be surprised to find wind-stiffened surface snow in more sheltered areas below treeline. Exercise caution if heading into steep wind-loaded terrain and minimize time spent in the runouts of avalanche paths. 

     

     

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    We are still trying to gather more information to better understand how our buried weak layers have responded to recent loading. Forecasters continue to find poor structure and propagating test results on persistent grains 3+ feet below the surface. A skier or rider stressing a shallow trigger point could be all a slope needs to release a very large persistent slab. While less likely than surface instabilities today, the consequences of an avalanche breaking deep in the old snow will be very high.

    Managing persistent slabs is difficult. They may be triggered remotely—from flatter terrain adjacent to steep slopes. Persistent slabs often propagate widely and in unpredictable ways. Shooting cracks and collapses are clear warning signs of the problem. However, feedback is often irregular. The best option is to minimize your exposure to steep terrain on the aspects and elevations with sugary facets buried under stiffer slabs. Use extra caution in rocky, complex terrain, near convexities, and on slopes with inconsistent snow depth.

     

    (2/23/2025) Photo: Samantha Rubin

Avalanche Discussion

While there will be no new precipitation today, winds will continue to load our snowpack in leeward catchment zones, and we have many unknowns surrounding buried weak layers. Exercise caution and assess conditions and terrain as you travel. Be mindful of groups above and below you, and be weary of overhead hazard. Slopes receiving direct sun may warm, and snow may be sticky, or even produce small loose wet instabilities. Look for rollerballs and mushy snow to alert you to this instability. Hazard will rise overnight as new snow begins to fall. 

 

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