Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Reactive wind slabs may be possible to find in leeward catchment zones near and above treeline today. While fresh deposits will be limited by the lack of loose snow available for transport, older wind deposits may still be reactive to human triggers where they are resting on weak unconsolidated snow. Be wary of terrain features that elevate the consequences of an avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds following our most recent storm system created wind slabs on all aspects near and above treeline. While these deposits have largely become unreactive, it may still be possible to trigger an avalanche in areas where slabs rest on weak faceted snow or facet crust combos. Periodic probing may be the best way to search for areas with weaker snow below stronger surface layers. Fresh wind deposits are not out of the question today with increasing winds out of the southwest. Recent high pressure and warm temperatures have decreased the amount of soft snow available for transport, but it will still be prudent to watch for clues like blowing snow, large fresh drifts, and hollow upside-down feeling snow. 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.

Avalanche Discussion

While stability has largely been improving, uncertainty around the distribution of dense wind-loaded snow above old-faceted layers remains top of mind for the forecast team.  Recent field observations, including a skier-triggered avalanche on Mt Tom, indicate that while areas with concerning structures may be isolated in nature, they are still reactive to human triggers. This may make for tricky conditions to navigate today. If you happen to find just the wrong spot, propagation may happen quickly and without warning. Keep in mind that even a small avalanche can have large consequences in complex and challenging terrain.

Several small Loose wet avalanches have been observed over the last few days as a result of warming temperatures and strong solar radiation. Increasing winds and a strong refreeze last night will limit the potential for continued loose wet activity today. However, it will be a good idea to monitor for changing conditions, especially if winds underperform the forecast. Wet sticky surface snow, roller balls, and pinwheels are all signs of warming snow and may foreshadow loose wet sluffs.

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