Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Strong winds from all directions and a small amount of new snow will create fresh, reactive wind slabs today. Though new wind slabs will be small, you may find them on all aspects as the winds shift. The largest wind slabs will likely be in alpine terrain across the forecast area. You may be able to find isolated, small wind slabs below treeline today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong southwest winds moved old snow around yesterday afternoon and overnight. 1 to 3" of snow fell across the forecast area in the early morning hours.  Early today, fresh wind slabs can be found on southeast, east, northeast and north slopes.  As the winds shift to the northeast today and remain elevated, the distribution of wind-deposited snow will shift to nearly all aspects, especially above treeline.  Though new wind slabs will be relatively small, they will be reactive to a rider's weight. They will be largest near ridgelines and in areas that received the most new snow. Recent avalanches, blowing snow, and shooting cracks from your skis are obvious signs of instability. You can reduce your exposure and your general discomfort by minimizing time on ridgelines or in the alpine today.

    (1/7/2026)

    Small wind slab in June Lake backcountry

    Photo: Greg Cunningham

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2–3.5

    While there is ample evidence of a persistent slab cycle on 1/4 and 1/5, it is unlikely that a person will be able to affect these buried weak layers. Buried facets and crusts from early season can be found 3 to 6+ feet down on upper elevation E, NE, and N aspects. A smaller wind slab avalanche or falling cornice is the kind of sudden load that could trigger a huge avalanche. The best way to avoid this low-likelihood/high-consequence problem is to steer clear of steep, complex, rocky terrain  

    (1/7/2026)

     Large avalanche on NE aspect at ~10500 feet

    Photo: Greg Cunningham

Avalanche Discussion

Today will be a cold, blustery day in the mountains.  If your goal is to stay warm and avoid new wind slabs, you can steer clear of ridgetops and alpine terrain altogether.

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