Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will become possible today as warm temperatures and sun heat the snow surface from the top down. These avalanches will be most likely on solar slopes during peak afternoon warming. Start early, and move to more shaded terrain if snow becomes unsupportable to boots and skis.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Expect wet loose avalanches to become possible by mid-morning today, and continue through the afternoon. You're most likely to find this problem on solar slopes near and below treeline where adequate coverage exists. On polar slopes, you may find hard melt-freeze crusts in some areas, and transitional snow in others. These will need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Although these avalanches will be relatively small, the consequences will be elevated in exposed or extreme terrain. Recent avalanches, roller balls, and unsupportable wet snow are all signs that wet loose avalanches are possible.  You can minimize your exposure to this hazard by starting early and making a plan that includes ski options on multiple aspects in case one has become too warm.

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

Snow surfaces stayed locked up yesterday in many places due to strong southwest winds. The winds have come down overnight, and tempertures this morning are within a few degrees of the freezing mark in either direction. Above-average temperatures and sun will resume the diurnal melt-freeze pattern today. Expect snow surfaces to soften progressively around the compass, and anticipate that some solar slopes will become wet and unsupportable. 

As we transition into a full spring pattern, keep a few things in mind. Start early and consider being out of the mountains by mid-afternoon. Expect firm surfaces in the morning, and evaluate the need for crampons, ice axes, etc... Think about your egress ahead of time. What will that slope be like when you have to ski out to the car several hours from now? Both rockfall and cornice fall have been observed in the last several days. Evaluate overhead exposure when ascending and taking breaks. Snow is melting and snowlines are rising. Consider what this means for your access. As temperatures continue to climb, creeks will open up, and stream flows will rise.

High temperatures are supposed to challenge historical records this weekend, and you can anticipate the wet snow avalanche problems to become more likely moving forward.

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