Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Wind chill and wind slabs are the primary hazards today. If traveling in steep terrain above the treeline keep in mind that newly formed wind slabs are possible on all aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Winds have shifted and blown soft snow onto leeward aspects several times over the past few days. The latest wind event occurred last night with winds coming from the southwest. New slabs may have formed on steep terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. As a result, there is a patchwork of recent wind deposits above the treeline among hardened old wind surfaces. Wind-polished old snow may make a good sliding surface for recently formed shallow wind slabs.  Dense, textured surfaces that feel hollow or crack around you on test slopes are clues that you could trigger an avalanche in steep start zones. This afternoon winds will shift to the north and increase, changing the pattern of wind deposits. Use caution entering steep terrain near summits and ridgelines.

    (1/19/2023)

    Small intentionally triggered wind slab

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday's pleasant weather and improving stability brought in observations from higher-elevation terrain around the forecast zone. No signs of instability were reported.  However, uncertainty about the nature of the wind slab problem increased again overnight with a brief, but strong, southwest wind event. Winds are shifting to the north again today and increasing to speeds that will allow them to move harder snow available for transport. This stronger and longer-duration wind event may increase the size and distribution of new slabs tomorrow.

If venturing into the alpine today wind chill may be an important factor to consider. Extra warm layers and equipment to build an emergency shelter could be critical if you are stranded in the backcountry. Have a plan to get your party out of exposed terrain in the event of an injury or gear malfunction, and to provide warmth and protection from the wind.

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