Eastside Region

Avalanche problems

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  New snow totals vary largely across the range with the highest totals on the north end of the forecast area. This new snow fell onto a plethora of hard and slick surfaces and may become particularly sensitive to sloughing as the strong California sun returns today with light northerly winds and warm temperatures. Expect surface snow to warm quickly as the sun comes out and the temperatures rise. Loose wet avalanches may have the potential to grow to concerning size today, particularly in the northern part of the forecast area or near the crest where snowfall totals were more substantial. Do your own localized assessments, monitor surface warming closely, and be ready to retreat if surface melt becomes concerning.

  Expect more easterly terrain to warm first followed by due south aspects and finally westerly aspects as the sun moves through the sky. Be particularly cautious in areas where new snow is receiving its first exposure to our intense California sun.  Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight southerly facing couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will also present elevated hazards. Wet, sticky snow surface, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point release avalanches.

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alpine
  • Treeline
  • Below treeline

  Likelihood

  Possible

  Size

  1–2

  Snowfall totals from yesterday’s brief storm ranged widely from barely a trace on the southern end, ~2" of new snow in the Mammoth area, and 6”+ of new snow on the northern end of the forecast area. This new snow was accompanied by strong southwesterly winds.  Similarly, the distribution and size of concerning wind slabs will vary just as greatly from one end of the range to the other.  In areas that received very little new snow the risk of wind slabs may be virtually non-existent, while on the northern end of the forecast area the size potential will be larger and the distribution may be more specific. Monitor recent snowfall totals closely if you head into the backcountry today and be on the lookout for fresh areas of wind deposit. While Freshly formed wind slabs may be relatively small in size they will likely be sensitive to human triggers. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Blowing snow, fresh drifting, stiff hollow feeling upside-down snow, and freshly textured, uneven snow surfaces are all signs of recent wind transport. Use these signs to identify and avoid steep slopes with recent wind deposits.