Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

After a weak 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 and unconsolidated. 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 temperatures rise well above seasonal averages. 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

Timing is everything when it comes to dealing with loose wet instabilities. Avalanche concerns will grow in size and distribution as the day progresses and it’s generally a good idea to get started early, climb slopes while they are hard, and be ready to descend before they become loose and unconsolidated. With our current pattern of weak overnight refreeze and above-average temperatures you can expect surface snow to warm more quickly and surface snow may become unstable by mid-day. We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important for successful adventures. Specialized tools like boot and/ or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary equipment to navigate hard and slick surfaces, and remaining flexible on your route choice and destination will be advantageous.

Regions covered