Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Large natural and human - triggered avalanches remain likely as our snowpack adjusts to new snow and continued winds. Recent avalanche activity, blowing snow, and cracking underfoot are signs of instabilities. Avoid overhead hazard, and stick to low angle slopes to minimize your exposure. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3

    There are currently large amounts of snow available for transport in our region. Large, reactive wind slabs still linger as a result of yesterdays extreme winds. Winds will continue to blow snow around today as they shift from southerly to westerly, adding to yesterday's wind slabs. Blowing snow and growing cornices will point to the most dangerous slopes. Stiff, textured drifts could fail naturally and break widely under ridgelines and on the sidewalls of gullies. Strong winds at all elevations have likely led to atypical loading patterns. Be especially mindful of cross-loaded slopes and wind deposits that may be largest or most sensitive mid-slope, rather than in traditional start zones. Don’t be surprised to find wind-stiffened surface snow in more sheltered areas below treeline. Exercise caution if heading into steep wind-loaded terrain and minimize time spent in the runouts of avalanche paths. 

     

    (3/14/2025)

    Propagating cracks in wind drifted snow, 8650', N, NTL

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

  • Storm Slabs

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

    Favored areas of our region received up to 8 inches of snow in the last 24 hours, bringing our storm totals to 30+ inches since the night of 3/12. There are some slight density changes and instabilities within the new snow. Also, it's important to remember that the new snow fell on a variety of surfaces - including melt freeze crusts and near-surface facets. Things are still working to stabilize. Be mindful traveling in steep, sheltered terrain and on unsupported slopes. Convex rollovers are often trigger points for this type of problem. Remember that cliffs, trees, and terrain traps can all increase the consequences of even a small slide knocking you off your feet.  Assess conditions and terrain as you travel to manage this hazard today. 

     

     

    Storm Slab avalanche

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    A substantial load has been added to our snowpack over the last 48 hrs. It has been a while since we last saw avalanches breaking on weak layers buried deeply in the snowpack. However, forecasters have continued to find poor structure and propagating test results on persistent grains 3+ feet below the surface. Snowpacks do not like rapid change. Without visibility during the storm, we have limited data regarding how this poor structure is holding up to the new load. Stressing a trigger point could be all a slope needs to release a very large persistent slab. While less likely than surface instabilities today, the consequences of an avalanche breaking deep in the old snow will be very high.

    Managing persistent slabs is difficult. They may be triggered remotely—from flatter terrain adjacent to steep slopes. Persistent slabs often propagate widely and in unpredictable ways. Shooting cracks and collapses are clear warning signs of the problem. However, feedback is often irregular. The best option is to minimize your exposure to steep terrain on the aspects and elevations with sugary facets buried under stiffer slabs. Use extra caution in rocky, complex terrain, near convexities, and on slopes with inconsistent snow depth.

     

    (2/23/2025) Photo: Samantha Rubin

    Multiple crowns from a persistent slab avalanche that broke and triggered another persistent slab avalanche. 

Avalanche Discussion

Clearing skies and fresh snow will be enticing to the backcountry enthusiast today. While there will be no new precipitation today, winds will continue to load our snowpack in leeward catchment zones. Storm instabilities are still settling, and we have many unknowns surrounding buried weak layers. Large avalanches remain likely today, and finding yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time could have grave consequences. Exercise caution and assess conditions and terrain as you travel. Be mindful of groups above and below you, and be weary of overhead hazard. 

Deep snow immersion, tree wells, and exhausting trail breaking conditions are all hazards that are worth taking into consideration as you travel in the mountains today. 

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