Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Increasing winds and new snow will lead to fresh wind slab development near and above treeline today with peak instability expected overnight.  When in doubt, choosing travel routes with lower slope angles in sheltered terrain will limit your exposure.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

     A quick-moving storm system will bring increasing winds and up to 12” of new snow by tomorrow morning. You can expect slabs of unstable snow to increase in size and sensitivity quickly as this storm moves into the region. Blowing snow, recent drifting, hollow drum-like snow surfaces, and shooting cracks in surface snow are all signs that indicate nearby wind deposits. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions. Keep in mind that strong winds can redistribute snow in surprising ways. It may be possible to find unstable slabs of wind-stiffened snow at lower elevations and in relatively sheltered terrain. 

    Intentionally triggered D1 wind slab avalanche. Northeast aspect, near treeline terrain 8850 ft, Mammoth area. 8 inches thick soft slab broke 40 ft. wide and ran 30 ft. The slab broke on Fist-hard precipitation particles.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Rising hazard will be largely dependent on the timing of our incoming storm today.  Peak instability is expected overnight, but it will be important to conduct your own localized assessments and monitor snow accumulations closely. Be ready for avalanche hazard to increase quickly as new snow is added to the equation. Storm instabilities will become increasingly likely in the afternoon and into the evening hours, particularly on shady aspects where near-surface facets may add sensitivity to new snow instabilities.

Regions covered