Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired last year.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

Highlights

Following a moderate refreeze, it could take longer for wet snow to become unstable. Get an early start. Climb slopes while they remain cold and frozen, and plan to move away from avalanche terrain by the time wet surface snow becomes unsupportable. Sinking below your boot tops in wet snow is a sign that Wet Loose avalanches are becoming possible as daytime warming occurs. 

This will be the final daily forecast of the 2024/25 season. Limited spring operations will continue as conditions and staff availability allow. We thank everyone who contributed financially and submitted field observations this season. Your support is incredibly valuable, and we could not do it without you. Thank you!

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures dropped below freezing last night as moderate winds shifted around the compass rose. These factors helped bring us the first moderate refreeze in a few days.  Cooler temperatures and continued winds may help limit the size and frequency of Wet Loose avalanches in the alpine. Expect easterly aspects to warm first as the sun comes out this morning, followed by southerly and westerly aspects as the sun moves across the sky.

    Wet Loose avalanches start at a point and entrain more snow as they move downhill. Wet snow is heavy and can be difficult to escape from. With weaker layers in the snowpack getting wet, Wet Loose avalanches can be a trigger for larger slab avalanches that break into deeper, old snow. The best way to manage Wet Loose avalanches is to travel when the snow surface is colder and stronger. Time your trips to avoid crossing on or under very steep slopes in the heat of the day. Move to colder, shadier aspects before the snow surface turns slushy and unsupportable. Rollerballs and pinwheels are obvious warning signs of Wet Loose avalanches.

    (4/8/2025)

    Wet Loose Activity - University Peak, East face

    Photo: Public

Avalanche Discussion

Temperatures finally dropped below freezing last night, allowing for a moderate refreeze. That, combined with colder daytime temperatures and continued winds, will provide a bit of a reprieve from our warming trend today. However, this will be short-lived. Temperatures are expected to climb again starting tomorrow, with daytime highs expected to be 10-20 degrees above normal for the remainder of the week. 

As you plan your mountain adventures, the best strategy is to get an early start and plan to be out of avalanche terrain before the heat of the day. This will help ensure you miss the worst of the warming and find better riding.

Beyond the risk of wet snow avalanches, there are other considerations to keep in mind. 

  • Dwindling coverage and variable surfaces are common across the range. Approaches may be difficult and time-consuming, and depending on where and when you decide to travel, specialized tools like boots and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary. 
  • Give a wide berth to large cornices looming overhead or dangling underfoot. Cooler temperatures and stronger winds have made these less likely to fall on their own, but it’s still worth limiting your exposure to these unpredictable hazards.
  •  Rockfall becomes more common in the spring as ice and snow continue to melt. Be mindful of your exposure to overhead hazards.

 

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