Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet loose instabilities will become increasingly likely today as temperatures rise. Rollerballs, slushy snow, and recent avalanche activity are indicators of hazardous conditions. Monitor warming surfaces as you travel, and reduce your exposure to steep slopes with deep, wet snow near the surface.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Across the zone, the overnight freeze was poor, and many weather stations in the Mammoth area and north did not record temperatures below freezing. Today's above-average daytime highs will quickly melt any surficial freeze, and wet loose avalanches will become increasingly likely. Wet snow may be encountered on sunny aspects at all elevations and even on shaded aspects at middle and low elevations. Look for rollerballs and recent natural activity as an indicator of hazardous conditions. Monitor softening surfaces as you travel, and move to colder, shadier, or more conservative terrain if the surface becomes slushy. Reduce your exposure to steep slopes with wet snow near the surface, and consider changing your trip plans to reduce crossing under steep slopes, especially this afternoon. 

    (3/2/2026)

    Wet Loose activity on Tatum Peak, near June Lake. East facing, 9600'.

Avalanche Discussion

Skies were mostly clear overnight, and the snow near the surface refroze as radiation departed. But many stations in the northern half of the zone did not record temperatures below freezing, and this surficial refreeze may be light and shallow. Expect the frozen surface to melt quickly and for hazardous conditions to develop. Be extra cautious in places where temperatures have remained above freezing for the past 24 hours and in places where the surface appears to have only a minimal freeze.

Refrozen surfaces are significantly easier to travel on and much safer, but they're unlikely to last long with today's warm temperatures and strong sunlight. Expect temperatures to be a few degrees warmer than yesterday, with highs reaching nearly 60 ° F. Attempt to travel on colder, stronger surfaces today, and reduce your time spent in deep, wet snow, especially on steep terrain.  

Deep, wet snow can be arduous and slow to move through. If the travel is slowed by poor snow quality, it's likely you are moving through concerning snow. Today, make a trip plan that includes options for traveling on a variety of aspects. It may be necessary to move to shadier areas on the fly to improve snow quality and reduce your exposure to wet snow. 

Regions covered