Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

You could trigger avalanches today in areas that get the most new snow and wind. The danger will rise as snow accumulates and drifts onto downwind slopes. Watch for blowing snow and assess for shooting cracks in fresh wind deposits before getting into steep terrain. You could stick to wind sheltered slopes to avoid the problem. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds are drifting new snow this morning. We can expect up to 7 inches by tomorrow morning in Mammoth and near the Sierra Crest. Southwest winds will create fresh drifts on leeward terrain features. You could find unstable wind slabs below ridgelines and in gullies. Look for blowing snow, growing cornices, and cracking under your feet. Stiff, textured, hollow snow is a good indicator that you have found wind slabs. Sticking to lower angled slopes, and slopes protected from winds, can help you avoid triggering an avalanche.

     

Avalanche Discussion

There are a variety of bed surfaces for new snow to fall on today. New wind slabs will form on hard crusts and near-surface facets. They could be more sensitive than you'd expect, and run further downhill.

Sluffing and small loose dry avalanches are a possibility if snow totals in lower elevation/wind protected areas exceed expectations. Even a small sluff in steep or exposed terrain with obstacles such as rocks and trees could have extreme consequences. 

Regions covered