Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity may be possible to find in leeward catchment zones adjacent to ridgelines, alpine couloirs, and in cross-loaded depressions near and above treeline today. Localized assessments will be important to help you identify and avoid features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Recent field observations suggest Wind Slabs formed during our Christmas Eve storm have been gaining strength and are becoming increasingly difficult to trigger. The potential for new slab development will be more concerning today as winds increase across the forecast area and new snow is added to the equation later in the day. Blowing snow, textured snow surfaces, fresh drifts, and hollow, upside-down feeling snow are clues that indicate the potential for unstable slabs nearby. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, mid-slope convex rollovers, and cross-loaded depressions. You can expect the size and distribution of concerning slabs to increase quickly as new snow accumulates across the forecast area.

    Keep in mind that extreme winds can redistribute snow in surprising ways. Blowing snow is likely to be prevalent today at all elevations. However, with these extreme winds, we will likely see more snow blowing than slab development, particularly in the alpine.  It will not be surprising to see more concerning wind deposits form at lower elevations and in more protected areas than you might typically expect to see them.

     

    (12/16/2024) Photo: Brooke Maushund

Avalanche Discussion

Overall, avalanche concerns have decreased since the loading event on Christmas Eve.  Today’s extreme winds should be at the top of your mind as you head into the backcountry. While increasing winds are likely to have a more significant impact on surface conditions, some redistribution of loose surface snow is expected. Be cautious in high-consequence terrain, and look for fresh deposits in atypical areas such as sheltered terrain near and below treeline. Be ready for the size and distribution avalanche concerns to increase quickly in the late afternoon and overnight as new snow is added to the equation.

Beyond the concern for small instabilities today, you can expect challenging and variable surface conditions to become more prevalent throughout the day. It is also worth mentioning that overall coverage remains thin. Shallowly buried rocks, bushes, and fallen trees are still prevalent across the forecast area.

Regions covered