Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche hazard will rise as new snow and strong winds begin to impact the forecast area. Expect wind-drifted slabs to grow in size and sensitivity as new snow accumulates. Travelling in wind-protected or low-angle terrain will reduce your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    As our new snow starts to stack up, wind slab avalanches will become increasingly likely. Strong to extreme southwest winds accompany this storm, and new snow will be drifted to the leeward side of ridgelines. The size and sensitivity of avalanches will tick up with continued snowfall. Natural avalanches could become possible by late afternoon in favored locations. Visibility may be poor during the stormy period, making it difficult to identify wind-loaded features. If you're traveling through fresh drifts or experience cracking underfoot, you have likely found the problem. Newly built cornices will point towards suspect slopes. Reduce your exposure by traveling in wind-protected areas and on gentler terrain, especially later this afternoon. 

    2/19/2026

    A small cornice and evidence of a small natural avalanche in wind-loaded terrain. North facing 8000'.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

Avalanche Discussion

Today's quick-hitting storm will bring a much-needed refresh to our snowpack, especially at middle and upper elevations. Our last significant snowfall left the region 40 days ago, and over this time, our snowpack has been ravaged by warm temperatures and diminishing coverage. Not every drainage looks like a big winner today, and totals are likely to vary across a small spatial scale within the forecast zone. The spread ranges from just a trace to over a foot of fresh snow by tomorrow morning. Places that receive the most new snow will have the most hazardous avalanche conditions.

Across much of our terrain, today's new snow may fall on dry ground or in areas with patchy coverage. While the avalanche hazard is unlikely to increase in these areas, obstacles like rocks and logs may become shallowly buried. Today, and over the next few days, expect sharks underfoot, and be cautious at lower elevations where snow cover was previously discontinuous.

Regions covered