Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago.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

Highlights

Surface refreeze last night was weak at best. Expect surface melt to occur quickly today as the sun comes out and our warming trend continues. Small sluffs coming from steep rocky areas and increasing boot penetration are warning signs that wet snow avalanches are becoming more likely. Start early and time your day to be away from steep slopes, start zones, and the runouts of avalanche paths before the upper snowpack thaws and becomes wet and unconsolidated.

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 air temperatures reach near-record highs. Expect rising hazards throughout the day. 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

You can expect avalanche concerns to grow in size and distribution quickly as the day progresses. A very weak refreeze last night means that surface snow will begin to melt much earlier than we may have gotten used to over the last few days. It also means that there is an increased chance of slab avalanche activity, particularly at lower elevations. 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.

Beyond the increased avalanche risk today there are several objective hazards to consider. Specialized tools like ski and/or boot crampons and an ice ax may be necessary for travel on hard and slick surfaces. Lakes have been melting and ice may becoming less supportive. Rising creeks may also be weakening snow bridges adding complexity to creek crossings. We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important for successful adventures and remaining flexible with your route choice and destination will be advantageous for the backcountry enthusiast.

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