Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet snow avalanches will be increasingly possible on any slope with snow today. Start early and consider moving away from avalanche terrain as slopes become wet and unsupportable. Minimize your exposure to overhead hazards as you plan your exit later in the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    The overnight freeze was minimal, and cloud cover today could trap heat on northerly aspects. Natural and human-triggered wet loose avalanches will become possible early as superficial crusts thaw. Most recent avalanches have been small, on easterly aspects, from Mammoth south. A few large slides have occurred on high-elevation, northeast-facing slopes around Bishop as dry-ish snow starts to feel the heat. You're most likely to find the problem on steep slopes near rocks and cliffs. 

    The best way to minimize exposure to this hazard will be to start and end your tour early. Unsupportable wet snow means the problem is getting worse. Rollerballs and recent avalanches mean the snow is already too wet, and it’s time to move to slopes with lower slope angles and minimal overhead hazards.

    (3/19/2026)

    D2 wet loose avalanche on the east aspect of Basin Mountain initiated under the rocks at 11,000 ft. Likely failed 3/18.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Very warm temperatures and multiple nights without an adequate freeze mean that meltwater continues to move through the snowpack. Buried weaker layers mid-pack and near the ground still exist on northerly aspects at higher elevations. We haven't had any reports of slab avalanches yet, but recent snowpack observations in Bishop point to wetting and unstable weak layers. A large to very large wet avalanche was observed south of the forecast area in a high, northeast-facing couloir on Wednesday. This is the same aspect and elevation where we suspect a wet slab problem. The likelihood of a wet slab avalanche is low, but the consequences would be high. Reducing your exposure to steep slopes is the best strategy to manage this hazard. Starting and ending early may help increase your safety margins.

Avalanche Discussion

We’re in for a brief break from the record-breaking March heat wave. Cooler temperatures are forecast as a passing low brings clouds and southwest winds. Temperatures remain above normal, and last night’s freeze was superficial at best. 

Coverage below 9500 is nearly non-existent across the forecast zone. The Mammoth to June area may be one exception to this overall trend, with slightly better coverage, but any wet snow avalanches down low will likely be small and isolated on the regional scale. You’ll still want to keep your eyes on the slopes above you. Avalanches starting at mid-elevations still pose an overhead hazard in low-elevation terrain.

Large cornices have not been widespread across the forecast area this spring. However, there are a few, and some of those have fallen over the past few days. Similarly, rockfall has been observed recently, so keep your head up and your eyes on the slopes above.

Glide cracks have been opening in a few places where the snowpack is fully saturated. While a slab avalanche involving the entire season’s snowpack would be unlikely, the safest bet is to give slopes with these cracks some space.

I want to reiterate that these are not just the normal perils of spring. This is an unusual and prolonged event, and it’s safer to expect the unexpected and increase your margins accordingly.

Regions covered