Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Small avalanches are not impossible today in steep terrain if the surface transitions or turns to mush. Travel early while the snow is cold and move away from rocky areas where rollerballs are the first signs of warming. Assess for small and isolated wind drifts if you find yourself in an area with more than an inch or two of fresh snow. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Most areas have seen a solid re-freeze overnight. Mostly cloudy skies and strong winds may help limit the solar impact today, particularly above treeline. However, as the sun pokes itself through the clouds and temperatures rise this afternoon, the newest snow will be the first thing to get wet. Pay attention to rollerballs coming from rocks and trees. If the strong spring sun overpowers the cooling factors of wind and clouds, deep ski and foot penetration in wet snow will mean that more than just the new snow is warming. Your best bet will be to transition to shadier aspects and lower slope angles by the time that happens.

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Localized showers in Mammoth and near the Sierra Crest in the northern half of the forecast area may drop trace amounts of snow this morning. Winds remain strong to extreme from the southwest. Thin, small wind slabs could form on the most favorable features. If you’re riding in an area with more than an inch or two of new snow, look for drifting onto the leeward sides of ridges and into the tops of chutes or the sidewalls of gullies. A small wind slab avalanche could be enough to knock you off your feet in extreme terrain. 

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