Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Triggering a small avalanche is not impossible in wind-loaded terrain. Watch for older drifts that crack around you near ridgelines and in mid-slope gullies. Small slabs may begin to form on south-facing slopes late in the day.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Wind Slabs that formed during the brief storm on January 3rd have become harder to trigger. However, we can’t rule out the chance of a small avalanche in isolated areas. If you wrap around to wind-loaded aspects in the northern half of the forecast area, your chance of finding an unstable drift will increase. These will be most common on the leeward sides of ridgelines, and near cross-loaded gullies mid-slope. Small slabs may begin to form on atypical aspects as the wind shifts to the northeast this afternoon.

    Textured snow surfaces and hollow-sounding snow are signs the wind has been at work. Cracks shooting out from under you are a sign you've found an unstable slab. While avalanches will not be large, steep, complex, and exposed terrain can increase the consequences of getting knocked off your feet.

    (1/5/2025)

    Cracking only when wind slabs are undercut = stubborn.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Overall, avalanche concerns have decreased since the loading event on the evening of January 3rd. Small Wind Slabs will most likely be in areas north of Mammoth near and above treeline.

Winds shift to the northeast today and increase into the evening. Expect them to start stripping soft snow from northerly aspects and small, fresh drifts to begin forming on south-facing slopes by this evening.

Regions covered