Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Consequential avalanches remain likely as winter weather continues to impact the forecast area. Recent avalanche activity, fresh cornice growth, and cracking underfoot will point toward problematic slopes. Avoid overhead hazard and stick to sheltered low-angle slopes to minimize your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    4-20” of new snow fell over the last 24 hrs, accompanied by extreme winds out of the southwest. The heaviest impacts of this storm were in the northern half of the forecast area, which saw 10-20” of new snow.  New snow and strong winds will continue to build unstable slabs on leeward slopes near and above treeline. Expect areas of unstable snow to be larger and more sensitive as you gain elevation. Blowing snow, growing cornices, and natural avalanches will point to the most dangerous slopes. Shooting cracks in stiff, textured surface snow means you’ve found unstable wind slabs. Stick to lower-angled slopes in more sheltered terrain to minimize your exposure.

    (3/15/2025)

    wind slab avalanche - Mammoth Rock Bowl

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Favored areas of our region received 10 - 20 inches of snow in the last 24 hours, and continued showers today could bring an additional 2-8”. This new snow fell on a variety of surfaces - including melt-freeze crusts and near-surface facets. Storm instabilities (both slabs and sluffs) will be most problematic in the northern half of the forecast area, which received the lion’s share of our recent snow. Be mindful of traveling in steep terrain and on unsupported slopes. Convex rollovers are often trigger points for this type of problem. Remember that cliffs, trees, and terrain traps can all increase the consequences of even a small avalanche.  Assess conditions as you travel. Be wary of upside-down snow surfaces and avoid steep terrain to manage this hazard. 

    (3/13/2025)

    Small storm slab avalanche - Mammoth Area

Avalanche Discussion

Field observations reported extreme winds and heavy precipitation yesterday throughout the storm. It was noted that much of this recent snowfall fell as graupel. This could limit the amount of slab activity in sheltered areas below treeline. Snowfall totals vary greatly across the range, with the highest totals reported in the northern half of the forecast area. Localized assessments will be important today. Expect avalanches to be larger and more sensitive in areas that have seen larger snow accumulations out of this storm. Monitor the weather closely and be ready for hazard to increase as new snow is added to the equation.

  • Bishop to Rock Creek –Storm total = 4” - 7”
  • Mammoth to June –Storm total = 8" - 16” 
  • Tioga pass –Storm total = ~20” 
  • VA Lakes –Storm total = 9" - 12”

Regions covered