Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago.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

Large human-triggered avalanches remain likely, with the possibility of natural releases in some areas. Recent avalanches, collapsing, rollerballs, and deep wet snow are signs of instability. Account for high uncertainty by giving yourself a wide margin and limiting your exposure to steep terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

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

    Rain and rapid warming initially destabilized the snowpack. Prolonged temperatures above freezing have caused water to percolate through weak layers buried below the surface. These factors have increased our concerns about wet slab avalanches. Large natural slab avalanches are possible in isolated areas today. Recent collapses in wet facets suggest that human-triggered wet slabs remain likely.

    Managing a Wet Slab problem can be difficult, and there are often no warning signs before an avalanche release. Avalanches could fail naturally, or they may be triggered remotely from nearby slopes. If triggered, an avalanche may connect multiple terrain features. Keep in mind that wet slab avalanches result in heavy, destructive debris flows that can gouge into old snow or the ground. 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.

    (2/25/2026)

    New natural D1.5 wet slab avalanche that ran today, 2/25, at 9600 ft. on a northeast aspect below treeline in Rock Creek.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Loose Wet

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

    A poor refreeze overnight and even warmer temperatures, decreasing clouds and wind, all mean loose wet avalanches are still possible. Rollerballs and large pinwheels can indicate deteriorating conditions. Sinking into deep wet snow is a sign that you should stick to slopes with lower slope angles and minimal overhead hazards. Keep in mind that a small Wet Loose avalanche could act as a trigger for a larger and more destructive Wet Slab avalanche. Continue to give yourself wide safety margins where the snowpack is wet and unsupportable.

    (2/25/2026)

    New natural wet loose avalanche appears to have "slabbed out" on its descent. This likely ran today, 2/25. Northwest aspect 9300 ft. on Table Mountain, Bishop Creek.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

More wet slab and wet loose avalanches occurred in the southern part of the forecast area on Wednesday. Forecasters in Rock Creek experienced big whumpfs as a damp slab collapsed wet facets buried in the snowpack. Large to very large natural slab avalanches failed in Bishop Creek on Tuesday, bringing wet debris down to lower elevations.

After rain on snow and rapid warming initially destabilized the snowpack. Prolonged warming and minimal refreezes have not allowed conditions to improve much. Recent observations show that critical weak layers are getting wet, and water is still moving through the snowpack. 

In the span of a week, we’ve gone from winter storm to conditions more like late spring, and the snowpack hasn’t had time to catch its breath. Conditions vary considerably across the forecast area right now, increasing uncertainty. It’s best to factor that into your tour plans by creating options and building in wide safety margins.

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