Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Cooler temperatures and strong winds will likely keep surface snow from warming to concerning levels today. Small and isolated loose wet sloughs may still be possible to find on sheltered solar aspects at lower elevations particularly if today’s winds underperform the forecast. More likely will be a plethora of hard and slick surfaces and the potential for slide for life conditions. Identify features of concern and continue to use safe travel techniques.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    A decent refreeze last night, cooler temperatures, and strong gusty winds should keep surface snow from softening to concerning levels today. However, some surface softening should be expected on solar aspects. Do your own localized assessments and be on the lookout for isolated instabilities, particularly if today’s winds underperform the forecast.

    Solar aspects deserve evaluation particularly at lower elevations and in sheltered areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight southerly facing couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified. Wet, unconsolidated snow and increasing boot penetration are all signs of excessive surface warming and may foreshadow larger point release avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

While finding areas of unstable snow may be difficult today, it will be easy to find a plethora of hard and slick surfaces.  Tools like boot and/ski crampons and an ice ax will be critical tools depending on where you decide to travel. Don’t be surprised if surface snow does not soften up today. Slide for life conditions will be possible to find on all aspects. Be aware of your exposure to obstacles like exposed rocks, fallen trees, and open creeks, and be prepared for snow surfaces to remain frozen throughout the day.

Recent Observations

-4/12- Virginia Lakes- low coverage and surface warming on Dunderberg peak

-4/12- Bishop area- Snowpack and weather observation from the south fork of Bishop creek

-4/11 – Crowley – Nevahbe Ridge: Weather and snow conditions.

-4/11 – Mammoth Lakes Basin – TJ Bowl: Conditions.

-4/11 – June – Negatives: Conditions.

Regions covered