Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Snowfall and strong winds have built fresh slabs at all elevations. Avalanches will be larger and more sensitive as you gain elevation. Avoid being on, under, or connected to slopes steeper than 30 degrees.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Winds over the last 24 hours have been transporting large amounts of new snow, redistributing it onto the leeward sides of ridgelines. As snow continues to fall and winds continue to blow, expect wind slabs to continue to grow in size.  A relatively small slab may step down to old snow at the base of the snowpack, creating an even larger and more destructive avalanche. With minimal visibility expected during today's stormy period, identifying wind-loaded slopes will be difficult. Avoid being on or under terrain steeper than 30 degrees.

    (1/2/2026) Photo: Ayelet Bitton

  • Storm Slabs

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

    5-15 inches of new snow fell across the range as of 4 am. Another 5-15 inches is expected to fall today. Across the zone, this new snow is resting on a slick crust. This crust is a prime bed surface for slabs and sluffs to run on. Avoid being on or under terrain steeper than 30 degrees. As snow continues to accumulate through today, expect avalanches to get larger and more sensitive. Watch for overhead hazards in town, such as roof avalanches and short slopes above confined areas.

    (1/3/2026)

    Small avalanche on an unsupported feature, failing on the now-buried New Year's crust.

    Photo: Sean Smollen

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    Leftover snow from October and November remains at the base of our snowpack in isolated areas at upper elevations. Rapid loading over the weekend has increased the chances of a human triggering an avalanche failing on weak grains near the ground. A surface avalanche, such as a storm slab or wind slab, may step down to these deeply buried weak layers, creating a much larger avalanche. Avalanches failing near the ground will be highly destructive, may travel long distances, and may connect multiple start zones. Avoid avalanche paths and their historic runouts at low elevations.

    (12/31/2025)

    Greg is highlighting the line where snow from the Christmas storm cycle sits atop weak old snow from November. 10,200 ft. near-treeline, Rock Creek.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

While we received the expected snow water equivalent totals over the last 24 hours, the ratio of snow to liquid was lower than expected. This brought slightly less new snow than expected, as it fell dense and wet. Near and above treeline, strong winds and significant snowfall have created hazardous avalanche conditions across the region. Mammoth is once again favored for snowfall and, as a result, will hold the most dangerous conditions. Expect avalanches to be larger and more sensitive in the Mammoth area and near the Crest. In the southern half of our zone, we received less snowfall yesterday, and today's totals are likely lower again. Avalanches will be smaller south of Mammoth, especially below treeline.  To set yourself up for success wherever you travel, give steep slopes wide margins and choose gentler terrain to enjoy our new snow safely.

Regions covered