Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Overnight temperatures remained above freezing last night even at upper elevations. Expect loose wet concerns to develop quickly this morning as our warming trend continues. The best bet is to get an early start and time your day to be away from steep slopes, start zones, and the runouts of avalanche paths before the upper snowpack becomes wet and unconsolidated.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Partly cloudy skies may help limit the solar impact today however without a refreeze last night you can expect surface snow to soften very quickly today. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will present elevated hazards. Wet, sticky snow surfaces, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of overhead hazards today and be ready to retreat if the surface snow thaws causing you to sink into wet unconsolidated snow. 

    (4/12/2023)

    Recent wet loose avalanche above Barney Lakes near Duck Pass

Avalanche Discussion

You can expect avalanche concerns to grow in size and distribution quickly as the day progresses. A very weak or in many areas non-existent refreeze last night means that surface snow may already be punchy and unsupportive. Free-flowing water in the snowpack also means that there is an increased chance of slab avalanche activity, cornice fall, and glide avalanches. During a freeze-thaw cycle, it is generally a good idea to get started early, climb slopes while they are hard, and descend before they become loose and unconsolidated. This becomes very difficult or impossible during periods without the freeze.  We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important for successful backcountry adventures.  Tools like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary depending on where you wish to travel and remaining flexible with your route choice and destination will be advantageous for the backcountry enthusiast. As a wise friend once told me, some days are just better on the groomers.

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