Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago.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

Highlights

Strong and shifting winds, recent heavy loading, and buried persistent weak layers paint a complex picture. You can trigger avalanches large enough to bury you in steep terrain. Wind-affected slopes are the most dangerous. Conservative terrain choices, with low slope angles, are the safest bet.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    What is usually a straightforward problem will be more difficult to manage today. Winds have shifted several times over the past 48 hours depositing several generations of stiff, textured drifts on all aspects. Older slabs will be more stubborn, though they’ll be larger and more dangerous. They may catch you by surprise, breaking without prior warning. Fresh wind slabs will be softer and more sensitive, cracking around your boards or machine. Look for blowing snow as a sign that new slabs are forming on leeward slopes. Steep terrain below ridges, gullies, and depressions deserve caution. 

    Large wind slab avalanche running full path and entraining soft snow in the track and runout.

  • Storm Slabs

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

    1 to 3 feet of new snow has fallen over the past 72 hours. Observers yesterday reported recent natural avalanches below treeline and difficult travel as they punched through soft slabs into low-density snow underneath. Surface instabilities, both slabs, and sluffs, have become less sensitive, though they’ll be big enough to deserve your attention. Convexities and confined terrain features deserve particular caution. Even small avalanches can be dangerous on steep slopes above terrain traps like cliffs or creek beds. 

    (1/1/2023)

    Natural avalanches near Hole In The Wall. SE aspect below treeline

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    72 hours of loading from rain, snow, and wind has stressed persistent weak layers near the bottom of the snowpack. A very large avalanche failing in old wet snow near the ground was reported yesterday. Elsewhere, observers reported collapsing and propagating test results in wet facets. Persistent slabs challenge our patience and managing the problem requires extensive evaluation and deliberate terrain choice. While unlikely, an avalanche breaking near the ground has the potential to be very large and destructive. A smaller avalanche or the weight of a rider may be enough to trigger a monster slide. Steep and unsupported slopes, areas with shallow trigger points, and areas with a generally thinner snowpack are places to consider as you make travel plans today.

    Snow profile highlighting wet, weak facets at the ground below treeline

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday, a very large avalanche was reported below treeline near June Lake. It seems to have failed in wet snow near the ground. In other parts of the forecast area, observers found that recent rain has wetted early-season weak layers at the bottom of the snowpack.

Riders reported recent natural sluffs and wind slab avalanches at all elevations. Small wind slabs broke around me while skiing near treeline on Red Mountain. Strong north winds drifted snow onto southerly aspects throughout the day.

Winds shift again and increase today, creating a fresh round of slabs on north and east-facing slopes. Even in the absence of heavy new snow, wind drifting can keep the avalanche hazard elevated. Complex conditions require conservative decisions to stay safe in the backcountry. Use terrain to your advantage, and don’t let powder fever cloud your judgment.

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