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

Avalanche Danger elevates to MODERATE for WIND SLAB. Evaluate ALL ASPECTS at Upper and Middle Elevations in terrain conducive to capturing wind driven fresh snow. 2-3” of snow has fallen combined with rotating winds from the Southwest to a more Northerly Flow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Although new snow totals have been pretty meager with 2-3” showing across the forecast zone, loading SW winds blew yesterday afternoon until around midnight when a more northerly direction picked up. While the northerly winds today will likely strip and remove a lot of the new deposited snow from the N-E aspects, you should still consider the N-E  in upper elevations for cross-loading and drifted pockets in more sheltered areas. Additionally, the northerly winds will be actively moving  new snow to the  E-S-W Aspects... thus the heads up to pay attention to ALL ASPECTS today.  Be on the lookout for fresh deposits of wind loaded new snow particularly in terrain adjacent to ridgeline, convex rolls, gully features and rock outcroppings/cliffs. Upper Alpine elevations and more dramatic terrain near Tree line (such as the Bardini chutes in the Sherwins) may harbor sensitive fresh wind slab that will be possible to skier trigger. Be aware of terrain traps such as gullies, depressions and exposure above cliffs where even a small slide could cause some damage or possible burial if you get knocked off your feet.

Avalanche Discussion

Increasingly sunny skies and warmer temperatures throuh the day will likely heat up the new layer of freshly fallen snow, so pay attention for small Wet-Loose avalanches. Remain observant for any activity (small slides or roller balls) if traveling in tight and confined terrain where northerly winds are loading terrain above you and intense solar is heating fresh deposits of new snow. Small natural slides through couloirs and steep terrain will only gain greater volume as they come down from the heights.  To go along with these new snow problems today, give consideration to the primary hazard we’ve been discussing the past 2.5 months in the Eastern Sierra… That being the consistently present hazard of un-recoverable slides down the mountain on firm and wind sculpted ancient snow surfaces. We have continuously, and still recommend Boot and Ski Crampons, Ice Axe and Helmet to safely and efficiently tackle most objectives in the forecast zone.  

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