Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Fresh and sensitive wind slabs may be possible in leeward catchment zones near and above treeline. Be on the lookout for new wind deposits along ridgelines and in cross-loaded terrain features. Be wary of terrain features that elevate the consequences of an avalanche, such as gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Modest snow totals and shifting winds have likely created fresh wind slabs in leeward catchment zones near and above treeline. Be particularly cautious in areas with higher snow totals from yesterday’s storm. This may include higher elevations and areas closer to the crest. It will be crucial to conduct your own localized assessments. While most fresh deposits will be small, there may be potential to find more sizable and concerning wind slabs in isolated areas. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

  • Loose Dry

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

    Biterly cold temperatures are expected to keep surface snow soft and unconsolidated. Loose surface sluffs may entrain enough snow to be concerning on steep protected slopes. While surface instabilities will be most concerning in sheltered areas near and below treeline, we can't rule out the possibility in protected areas above treeline. Loose-dry avalanches will be most concerning in areas with terrain features that elevate the consequences of an avalanche. This may include road cuts, gully features, mid-slope depressions, or cliff bands.

Avalanche Discussion

While new snow totals from yesterday’s storm were mostly modest, it will be important not to let our guard down. Localized assessments will be critical if you venture into the backcountry today. Areas with higher snow totals will have more significant avalanche concerns. Alpine environments are also areas where elevated concern is warranted.  Weather patterns in the high alpine are often unique, and the terrain is more complex, leading to less confidence in hazard distribution and smaller safety margins for backcountry travelers. Even relatively small or thin deposits could have much higher consequences in extreme and exposed terrain.

In addition, there are several objective hazards to consider today. Frigid temperatures and moderate north winds are likely to create dangerous wind chills in exposed areas. It will be worth considering the dangers of exposure and planning accordingly by bringing extra warm layers and equipment to prepare for the elements. Dealing with unforeseen equipment malfunctions or injuries could be a bitterly cold affair.

 

Regions covered