Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Very large persistent slab avalanches remain possible at all elevations, and wind slab avalanches become likely as you gain elevation. Recent avalanches, collapsing, and shooting cracks are all indicators of hazardous conditions. Conservative terrain choices are the best way to manage both hazards.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Strong winds over the last few days have redistributed our recent snow, and multiple slabs of wind-drifted snow exist on the leeward side of ridgelines. Gusty afternoon winds are expected to pick up today and may continue to form fresh, reactive drifts at upper elevations. These fresh slabs may be sensitive to the weight of a rider in steep, wind-loaded terrain today. Triggering a small to large wind slab has the added potential to step down to deeply buried weak layers, creating an even larger and more destructive avalanche.

    Blowing snow, cracking in hollow drifts, fresh cornices, and recent avalanches are indicators that you may have found the problem. Be suspect of alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions where deposition may be favorable. If you're beginning to find any indicators of instability, move to more gentle, less consequential terrain.

    (2/20/2026)

    Cracking on a northeast aspect at 9200'. 10-15cm (4-6") slab on decomposing fragments. 

    Photo: Sean Smollen

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    Weak faceted snow from January is now buried 3-6 feet deep. The problem exists continuously across specific slopes at all elevations, and the fresh overlaying slab is thick and cohesive. With poor structure across much of our terrain, it is still possible for a rider to trigger a very large persistent slab. An avalanche failing on this deeply buried weak layer would likely be unsurvivable.

    These avalanches may be triggered remotely from connected terrain. They may propagate long distances and connect multiple start zones. Persistent slabs are known for breaking wider and running farther than you may expect. Signs of instability, like cracking and collapses, have been reported over the last few days, but feedback has been irregular. Don't expect to see signs of instability prior to triggering an avalanche. Make conservative terrain choices and do not try to outsmart this problem.The only sure-fire way to avoid involvement with large to very large persistent slab avalanches is to avoid steep terrain. Conservative trip plans that reduce your exposure are recommended.

    (2/20/2026)

    Very large persistent slab avalanche on Mt Wood. East facing, 12200'.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

Avalanche Discussion

At all elevations, it is possible for a person to trigger a very large persistent slab avalanche. The consequences of these avalanches are very serious, and any involvement would be catastrophic.  Recent natural avalanche activity helps to illustrate just how serious an avalanche failing on the 2/10 interface may be. Many of these avalanches connected multiple start zones and ran long distances. Take a look at some of the recent avalanche activity here. 

As our wind slab avalanche problems begin to stabilize, we are likely to move into a low-probability, high-consequence situation. In this situation, it will continue to be possible for a human to trigger a very large, deadly, persistent slab avalanche. Moving forward, incorporate safe travel techniques into your tour plans to help reduce risk. Apply conservative terrain choices, use cautious route-finding, and keep margins tight. Ski one at a time and regroup in places out of harm's way. This is a scary setup to manage, and the only way to completely eliminate your exposure to these beasts is to avoid travelling on, below, or connected to slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

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