Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions exist throughout the forecast area. Expect the avalanche hazard to rise to HIGH at all elevations today as the forecast area is impacted by another winter storm. Natural and human triggered avalanches will become very likely.  Travel on, near, or underneath avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Heavy snowfall and strong to extreme SW winds will create dangerous wind slab conditions on northerly and easterly terrain features, particularly near and above treeline. Expect the size and distribution of fresh sensitive wind slabs to grow substantially today as strong winds and heavy snow continue to impact the forecast area. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large to very large Natural and Human triggered avalanches are likely today and avalanches may run long distances and into lower angle, or treed terrain you may typically think of as “safe”. Be cognizant of what is above you today, travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    As of the time of publishing, only an inch of new snow has been recorded. However, snowfall rates are expected to increase throughout the day with 10-20“ possible at mid elevations today. Elevating the potential for sizable storm slab avalanches today is the weak and faceted nature of our base. It will be possible to see slabs initiate deeper in the snowpack then you may typically expect. Storm instabilities will grow in size and to become more sensitive as the day progresses. Avoid being on or under terrain over 30° today and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features cliff bands, and mid slope depressions. Be warry of overhead hazard today and avoid being in or underneath avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Extreme caution is advised if you decide to head into the backcountry today.  The risk of large and destructive avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses.  Top of mind for the forecast team is the weak faceted base to our snowpack. It is likely that our poor structure will add to the sensitivity and size potential of avalanche activity today. Avalanches triggered today may propagate across and beyond terrain features that would typically confine surface instabilities and they may be possible to trigger remotely from adjacent slopes. Give yourself a wide safety margin, be wary of hazard that may reside above you, and use terrain choice to limit your exposure.

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