Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Today, you can find wind slabs ranging in size and sensitivity on wind-loaded slopes near and above the treeline. Assess for shooting cracks and recent avalanche activity near ridgelines, alpine couloirs, and cross-loaded depressions to indicate you may have found problem areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Recent field observations suggest Wind Slabs that formed during our brief storm on the evening of 1/3 are most likely to be relatively thin and small in size. However, unstable areas of wind-stiffened snow may still be reactive to the weight of a rider. Keep an eye out for clues that indicate nearby wind deposits, such as recent cornice growth, hollow upside-down feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting, such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, and cross-loaded depressions, and watch for signs of instability, such as shooting cracks in upside-down snow and recent avalanche activity.  Be particularly cautious in areas with higher snow totals from our recent storm. This may include higher elevations and areas closer to the crest, as well as the northern reaches of the forecast area. 

    (12/29/2024)

    small 4F wind deposit kicked off on a test slope (~ 10 cm deep) N, NTL, 9900'

    Photo: Samantha Rubin

Avalanche Discussion

Overall avalanche concerns have decreased since the loading event on the evening of 1/3.  Small Wind Slabs will most likely be in areas north of Mammoth and in catchment zones near and above treeline. Be cautious in high-consequence areas like steep alpine couloirs and confined terrain features where even a small avalanche can have elevated consequences. This will be the first warm day with light winds and mostly sunny skies since the new snow. While we do not expect loose wet avalanches to become a serious problem today, it won’t be surprising to see loose surface snow become moist at lower elevations and on solar aspects.  Fans of rollerballs and pinwheels and wet, saturated surface snow are signs that Loose Wet sluffs are becoming more likely, and it may be worth avoiding steep solar slopes in consequential terrain.

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