Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Isolated and small wet loose avalanches will be possible as the snow surface thaws. Start early and reduce your exposure by moving to shaded terrain and out from under steep sunny slopes if you see rollerballs or the snow becomes wet and unsupportable. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    While middle and lower elevations saw a slightly better overnight freeze, inversions have kept temperatures above freezing at higher elevations. Cloud cover increases today, which could limit solar warming. Surface thawing will be variable and could change quickly. You’ll need to monitor conditions as you go.

    Areas of deep, unsupportable wet snow are possible by midday. Solar slopes that still have snow, and lower elevations, have a spring melt-freeze snowpack. You’re most likely to trigger a small, wet loose avalanche where the snowpack is thin or still transitioning. Sunny slopes with dry snow in the upper snowpack are the most suspect areas. Ask yourself whether dry snow on the slope above you is warming up. Recent avalanches, rollerballs, and unsupportable wet snow are all signs that wet loose avalanches are becoming possible. You can limit your exposure by starting early and ending early. Move away from avalanche terrain if you see signs of instability. 

    (3/13/2026)

    Rider-triggered D1 Wet Loose avalanche. East aspect above treeline, Nevahbe Ridge. 12:15 pm.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

We only have one reported avalanche in recent days. A rider triggered a small, wet loose avalanche on an east-facing, rocky slope above treeline on Friday, around noon.

Today is a transitional day before a truly unusual warming trend sets in. Cloud cover may help keep the sun from warming surfaces too deeply. Melting will vary across aspects and terrain.

Timing remains your most effective tool for avoiding avalanches and finding the best corn. Start early and time your descent so that the surface is still supportable. Be prepared to turn around or shift to shady aspects if you see signs of instability or get bogged down in deep, wet snow. If you’re starting early enough to get a long run, surface crusts will be firm, and you may want ski or boot crampons in addition to a headlamp. The snowpack is melting quickly, and you may need to hike on dry land, contend with emerging obstacles, or manage open waters to reach your objective.

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