Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist throughout the forecast area. Heavy snow and strong winds will create widespread areas of unstable snow today. Travel in or underneath avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    Dangerous wind slab conditions exist on northerly and easterly terrain features, particularly near and above treeline. Expect the size and distribution of fresh sensitive wind slabs to grow substantially today as strong winds and heavy snow continue to impact the forecast area. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large to very large Natural and Human triggered avalanches are likely today and avalanches may run long distances and into lower angle, or treed terrain you may typically think of as “safe”. Be cognizant of what is above you today, travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

     

  • Storm Slabs

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

    As of the time of publishing, up to 12” of new snow has been recorded in the Mammoth area. Snowfall rates are expected to increase throughout the day and over 2 ft of accumulation is possible at mid-elevations by tomorrow morning. Storm instabilities will grow in size and become more sensitive as the day progresses. Avoid being on or under terrain over 30° today and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions. Be wary of overhead hazards today and avoid being in or underneath avalanche terrain.

    (12/30/2022)

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    On a regional scale, our persistent slab problem has become unreactive. While unlikely, an avalanche breaking near the ground has the potential to be very large and destructive. Steep and unsupported slopes, areas with shallow trigger points, and areas with a generally thinner snowpack are areas to consider. Persistent Slabs challenge our patience and managing this problem requires extensive evaluation and deliberate terrain choice. Persistent slab avalanches often propagate across and beyond terrain features that would otherwise confine surface instabilities such as wind or storm slabs and in some cases persistent slab avalanches can be remotely triggered from adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety margin, be wary of hazards that may reside above you, and use terrain choice to limit your exposure.

    (1/2/2023)

    D3 avalanche triggered with explosives by the June Mountain Ski Patrol on 20230101. Avalanche failed on wet facets at the base of the snowpack..

Avalanche Discussion

Extreme caution is advised if you decide to head into the backcountry today.  A strong winter storm will make for difficult travel conditions and the risk of large and destructive avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses.  Elevated hazard will be driven largely by new snow accumulations today. Areas that have received less snowfall such as the southern half of the range may present less widespread concerns. Monitor changing conditions closely today, give yourself wide safety margins, and be wary of hazards that may reside above you.

 

Regions covered