Eastside Region

You’re most likely to encounter firm and variable surface conditions today. However, if you see snow blowing across slopes or over ridgelines, thin drifts could be forming on the downwind side. Factor in the outside chance of triggering a small avalanche if you venture into steep, leeward terrain. 

Snow surfaces, snow depth, and snowpack structure vary across the forecast area. 

Surfaces: 

After a series of windy storms lashed the Eastern Sierra last weekend, old wind-compacted surfaces litter exposed areas. Upwind slopes have been stripped. Sunny skies with above-freezing temperatures have put solar aspects and lower elevations through the melt-freeze cycle, with wet snow midday and crusts in the morning and evening. The shallow, patchy snow on windward slopes has faceted in some areas. The most sheltered, shady slopes have loose, sugary surfaces. 

Snow depth and structure: 

The deepest snow is from Mammoth to Tioga Pass, where the snowpack is settling and older faceted grains are rounding. Areas with shallower snowpacks, like Rock Creek, are faceted from top to bottom. In some areas, a facet/crust combo buried on the 12th is identifiable in snow pits. There have been no signs of instability from weak layers in the snowpack since before the last major storm.

The change today comes from an uptick in southwest wind. You may see blowing snow in isolated areas with snow available for transport. Watch for small wind slabs on leeward slopes if you see drifting snow. 

Extreme wind and clouds will likely keep surfaces frozen. Ski crampons or mountaineering equipment could be useful if you plan to travel on steep terrain.