Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Heavy snowfall and wind loading will result in widespread avalanche activity. Avoid travel on or below steep slopes and in the runouts of leeward avalanche paths to reduce risk.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

     Storm instabilities, both slabs and sluffs will grow in size, becoming more sensitive as the day progresses. Large avalanches failing within the new snow will be possible in all areas. South winds will drift snow onto leeward slopes, resulting in larger and more frequent avalanches. Avoid being on or under steep terrain over 30° today and be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions. As significant snow accumulates in mountain communities be aware of overhead hazards from roofs and short steep slopes above confined areas.

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3

    In areas that have held snow since December, persistent weak layers still exist at the base of the snowpack. Over the past month, the snowpack has gained strength, but in areas with a shallower snowpack, the weight of new snow may be enough to overload the weak base.  Hard slabs failing on these layers will involve the full depth and weight of the snowpack. Persistent slab avalanches can propagate long distances, connecting terrain features that typically contain surface instabilities such as storm or wind slabs making for larger and more destructive avalanches that are difficult to avoid. The best way to avoid this hazard today is to stay away from northerly avalanche paths including their runouts below treeline.

    (2/3/2024)

    A very large persistent slab avalanche on Mt. Laurel. This released naturally with the last 48 hours.

    Photo: Everett Phillips

Avalanche Discussion

Recent avalanche activity: Moderate snow available for transport and strong winds led to a series of wind slab avalanche cycles over the past week. These avalanches failed on layers of new and wind-drifted snow with decreases in sensitivity and avalanche activity between events. Avalanches with a maximum size of D2 were reported on N, NE, and E aspects near and above treeline. There have been no reports of avalanches involving basal weak layers in over a week.

Snowpack discussion: We have been tracking a layer of facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack throughout the season. In the northern part of the forecast area, these layers are buried 4 to 6 feet deep under a strong middle and upper snowpack. In the southern half of the forecast area from Convict Creek south to Bishop Creek the layers are closer to the surface and have shown more signs of instability since the last storm. In these areas, snowpack structure and results of stability tests indicate that the layer may be more susceptible to human triggering and loading from new snow and wind.

By Monday night, 20" to 30" of new snow is expected in the Eastern Sierra.  The storm will impact the entire forecast area, with snow accumulation down to valley floors. Heavy snowfall will cause travel impacts in mountain communities and on highways. Park responsibly so as not to block snow removal crews working to restore access for residents and emergency services. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Regions covered