Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche hazard exists for WIND SLAB at All Elevations on Northerly-Easterly aspects. Gale force southwesterly winds are projected to start around noon today and last through the night. Take note of rapidly changing conditions and fresh loading of wind-blown snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Southwesterly winds are expected to significantly ramp up by noon to gale force conditions with gusts over 100mph+. These extreme velocities will cause dynamic wind directions in our big mountain environment as well as transport and strip snow across the range. The leeward aspects of NW-N-NE-E-SE are of most concern for WIND SLAB with  ALL ELEVATION bands subject to active loading conditions. Be on the lookout for blowing snow, fresh, fat looking pillows of deposited snow, and uneven snow surfaces. Elevations at and below Tree line still harbor soft, transportable snow (more so than the higher alpine areas) so pay particular attention to terrain conducive to collecting transported snow below tree line such as rock lined chutes and cliffy zones. Specific local terrain such as Devils slide in the June area, Bardini chutes in the Sherwins and Jawbone Canyon in Bishop Creek would be zones to take note of.  Be aware of what is above you and avoid tight constricted terrain that may capture wind-transported snow or funnel sliding snow towards you. Areas adjacent to ridgeline, cliff bands, rock outcroppings, and convex roll overs are all terrain features where wind slab will be possible.

Avalanche Discussion

Hope you enjoyed some of the soft snow surfaces before the winds do their typical east side number on them. Over the new years timeframe there have been multiple avalanches in generally well-travelled and popular touring zones. Be sure to check out recent observations from Dec 31st in Red Cone/Mammoth Crest area and Hemlock Trees/June Lake area to get a sense of what has been going on in what most folks would generally think is benign terrain.

Regions covered