Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

After a moderate refreeze last night, surface melt may occur earlier this morning than it did yesterday. Time your day to be away from steep slopes, start zones, and the runouts of avalanche paths as the upper snowpack thaws and becomes wet. Small sluffs coming from steep rocky areas and increasing boot penetration are warning signs that wet snow avalanches are becoming more likely. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You can expect to see surface snow melt quickly as the sun comes out this morning and we reach above-average temperatures again today. Our snowpack has undergone several rounds of melt-freeze at this point and areas of unstable wet snow may be decreasing in distribution. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will present elevated hazards. Wet, sticky snow surfaces, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of overhead hazards today and be ready to retreat if the surface snow thaws causing you to sink into deep wet snow. 

    (4/12/2023)

    Recent wet loose avalanche above Barney Lakes near Duck Pass

Avalanche Discussion

Quiet weather, cold overnight temps, and time have generally been helping to strengthen the upper snowpack over the last week leading to a decrease in reported avalanche activity. A pattern change is expected tomorrow bringing cooler temperatures and increasing winds which will continue this trend.

Large dense cornice features remain a concern for the backcountry enthusiast. Keep in mind that predicting the timing and exact size of a cornice failure is nearly impossible. They can fail without warning and they often break much further back from the edge than expected.

Beyond the concern of wet snow instabilities, there are several objective hazards to consider if you venture into the backcountry today. Tools like boot and/or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary to navigate hard and slick surfaces. Creeks have been rising and snow bridges may no longer hold your weight. We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important to consider for your adventures. Timing, specialized tools, and remaining flexible in your route choice will be advantageous.

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