Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW. Be mindful of daytime warming and strong sun affecting the surface snow, thus increasing the likelihood of triggering a wet-loose avalanche. As the snow surface becomes less supportable seek shadier slopes and/or lower angle terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    A better freeze was indicated by remote weather stations overnight at the upper elevations. Lower elevation sensors were mixed. While temperatures are forecast to be cooler today than yesterday, the strong April sun will still be the primary driver of weakening the snowpack. Any slope or terrain feature receiving direct sun will warm quickly.

    Monitor surface conditions throughout the day for the snow becoming less supportable and looser. Increasing boot and ski penetration are a good indicator of the snow becoming weak. If you find yourself sinking beyond your boot top, seek shadier slopes and/or lower angle terrain. Steep slopes receiving direct sun, areas near trees, shallow areas over rocks and gullies/couloirs getting warmed by adjacent rocks are good places to find potentially unstable snow. Keep your eyes peeled for rollerballs, pinwheels and small point release avalanches as a sign of unstable wet-loose snow.

Avalanche Discussion

As of 4:00 a.m. temperatures were near or below freezing at some remote weather stations last night for the first time in a few days. At the upper elevations, most stations were several degrees colder last night than the night before. In addition, the snow surface temperature sensor mid-mountain at Mammoth Mountain is indicating better freezing conditions. These factors coupled with clear skies and breezy winds have probably helped with a more solid refreeze of the snow overnight. Cooler temperatures and wind today should delay the softening/weakening of the snow, but conduct your own localized assessments of snow, weather and terrain to determine what the risk of wet-loose avalanching might be. Balance the probability of triggering a slide with the consequence of doing so. Even a small slide in extreme or complex terrain could be dangerous to a rider or skier. Continue to use safe travel techniques like only exposing one person at a time to avalanche paths to reduce risk.

Still start early today to get ahead of warming temperatures and the strong sun to time your ascent/descent in any avalanche terrain. Sticky snow, thin cover, open water and stretches of dirt and brush may complicate approaches hence slowing you down. Plan ahead for variables that could put you outside of your intended time window.

Keep the sharps like boot/ski crampons and a self-arrest tool such as an ice-axe and whippet close at hand for firm conditions, particularly early in the day. Rockfall should be front of mind, particularly in confined terrain. Wear a helmet and watch/listen for nearby rocks firing toward you.

Tomorrow, 4/10 will be the final daily avalanche forecast for the winter 21/22 season. To help with public information exchange regarding avalanche conditions please continue to submit your field observations to the ESAC website.

Regions covered