Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Assess for signs of wet snow instability as daytime warming occurs. Rollerballs from steep, rocky, or vegetated slopes are the first warning signs. Use caution when entering steep terrain at higher elevations where wind-hardened surface snow could break in surprising ways.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Snow surfaces saw minimal re-freeze overnight. Temperatures will rise again today, with clouds trapping the daytime heat. The cooling effects of the wind could keep major warming at bay, though winds are forecast to decrease into this evening. Wet surface snow could develop on steep slopes near and below treeline. Watch for signs that wet snow is becoming unstable.

    Rollerballs or pinwheels and sinking deeply into wet snow are signs of instability that often foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Rocky terrain, steep vegetated slopes, and areas with shallow snow cover will warm the most. Wet Loose avalanches often fail from a single point and entrain heavy snow as they move downhill. Wet Loose avalanches can also trigger larger slab avalanches that break into deeper snow layers. Travel early when the snow surface is colder. Plan your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the afternoon. Move to colder slopes or to lower slope angles once the snow surface turns to mush. Avoid steep slopes above terrain traps, cliffs, and sustained steep pitches.

    (3/21/2025)

    Small wet loose avalanche in the southeast couloir on Dunderberg Peak, Virginia Lakes. 

    Photo: Bridgeport Avalanche Center

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwest winds caused some light blowing snow yesterday and overnight. Thin, fresh drifts may have developed downwind of isolated features in steep, open terrain. Older, harder slabs that formed Wednesday night have become less sensitive, though they could be bigger and more consequential. 

    Hard wind slabs can catch you by surprise, cracking from the edges where they’re softer and thinner. They can break above you. It’s worth assessing for textured, hollow snow in steep, exposed terrain. Use caution in chutes and gullies and on the leeward sides of ridgelines. Getting knocked off your feet in extreme terrain can raise the consequences of even a small avalanche. Shooting cracks and collapsing in drifted snow are warning signs to dial back your slope angle or seek out softer snow in wind-sheltered areas.

    (3/20/2025)

    Small wind slab failed on a small wind roll.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

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