Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

You can trigger avalanches large enough to bury you in steep, leeward terrain. Slabs of wind-drifted snow will become larger and more sensitive as you gain elevation. Choosing travel routes with lower slope angles in wind-sheltered terrain is the safest way to limit your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind slabs will grow in size and sensitivity as you gain elevation. You’re most likely to trigger an avalanche in drifted snow on the sidewalls of gullies, below leeward ridgelines, and near mid-slope convexities. Watch for blowing snow and recent cornice growth, which indicate slab development on the steep slopes below. Shooting cracks in hollow, upside-down snow are warning signs that wind slabs are unstable. Sheltered terrain with lower slope angles will offer safer riding opportunities.

    (3/28/2024)

    Large skier-triggered wind slab avalanche in the June Lake Area.

Avalanche Discussion

Human-triggered wind slab avalanches ranging from size 1 to 2 broke within the most recent storm snow in Mammoth and June yesterday. Intense drifting continued into the late afternoon after snowfall tapered off. Ridgetop winds remained strong to extreme overnight.

The hazard today and tonight will be driven by new snow and wind. Another storm moves into the region this morning with the most new precipitation forecast for areas near and north of Mammoth, and at higher elevations along the Sierra crest. Anticipate larger, more sensitive wind slabs at higher elevations. Snowfall rates peak overnight into Saturday morning. Though winds will be less than during yesterday’s storm, they are expected to remain at slab-building speeds before decreasing tomorrow morning. Track new and drifting snow carefully as the hazard increases into the late afternoon.

Regions covered