Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Natural and human-triggered avalanches will become increasingly likely today as rain impacts the forecast area. Give yourself wide safety margins and be aware of your exposure to avalanche paths above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    A skier was caught and carried in a persistent slab avalanche yesterday in the Bishop area. Thankfully, they were able to self-arrest and suffered only minor injuries.  In addition, riders continue to report large-scale collapsing and shooting cracks in areas south of Mammoth. Today’s rain showers will add weight quickly to our snowpack and may increase the sensitivity of persistent slab avalanches. While avalanches failing under the weight of a skier or rider are the main concern, we may also see natural releases in some areas. 

    Managing a persistent slab problem can be difficult. Long shooting cracks or significant collapsing in the snowpack indicate that you have found the problem, but feedback is often unreliable. Avalanches can fail with little or no warning and can be triggered from a distance or from below. If triggered, an avalanche may propagate beyond terrain features that typically contain surface instabilities, such as storm or wind slabs. The best way to manage this problem today is to give yourself a wide safety margin. Avoid being on or under slopes over 30° and be aware of your exposure to avalanche paths above you.

    (2/21/2026)

    2/21/2026: Skier triggered persistent slab avalanche below treeline in Bishop Creek

  • Loose Wet

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

    Rain will lead to wet loose activity on all aspects. Steep slopes near and below treeline will be the most hazardous areas today. Rollerballs and large pinwheels will indicate deteriorating conditions, but avalanches are likely to release naturally and may occur with little or no warning. Give yourself wide safety margins today and be mindful of your exposure to steep slopes above you. 

     

    Wet loose avalanche.

    Bishop Creek. 2023

Avalanche Discussion

Some days are just better for making soup.

Rain on snow and very warm temperatures will increase the avalanche hazard quickly and make for an unpleasant day in the mountains. Wet loose avalanches may be the most obvious concern to the backcountry enthusiast. However, avalanches failing on buried weak layers within the old snow will be much larger and more destructive. We also have a very real concern for natural activity today. Be aware of your exposure hazards that rest above you. Avalanches may occur in surprising areas. Road cuts, large snowbanks, and roof lines in town are areas of concern today.

In addition to rising avalanche hazard, it is also likely to be a very unpleasant day in the mountains. If you decide to venture outside, be prepared with extra layers and a plan that includes wide safety margins and allows for quick adjustments.

Regions covered