Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

It may be possible to trigger a consequential avalanche in terrain where recent winds have deposited slabs of stiffened snow. These are most likely near ridgelines and on the leeward side of mid-slope features like gullies, rollovers, and alpine couloirs. Loose avalanches may also be possible in steep, shaded, and unsupported terrain. Expect the size and distribution of potential avalanches to increase as you move north in the forecast area.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    A quick-moving storm brought extreme winds out of the south and moderate amounts of new snow to the range overnight. Shifting wind direction and decreasing speeds today will limit the potential for continued slab development. However, slabs formed during last night’s storm may still be reactive to your weight. Keep an eye out for clues that indicate nearby wind deposits, such as fresh drifts, 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 be on the lookout 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 yesterday’s storm. This may include higher elevations and areas closer to the crest, as well as the northern reaches of the forecast area. You can expect the size and distribution of wind slabs to increase the further north in the forecast area you decide to travel. 

    (12/24/2024)

    Shooting crack in wind stiffened snow

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Loose Dry

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

    Up to 8" of light and unconsolidated snow fell during yesterday's storm, and cold temperatures overnight have likely kept this new snow loose and unconsolidated. Add to this the variety of hard and slick surfaces prevalent across the range before this storm, and we could see loose surface sluffs entraining enough snow to be concerning on steep, wind-protected slopes today. This will be most concerning from Mammoth to Virginia lakes, in sheltered areas near and above the treeline. Dry Loose avalanches will be most concerning in areas with terrain features that elevate the consequences of an avalanche. This may include alpine couloirs, steep or extreme terrain, and around terrain traps like road cuts, creek beds, or cliffbands.

    (12/24/2024)

    Small Loose Dry avalanche.

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

New snow and quiet weather will be a powerful draw for the backcountry enthusiast today.  Remember that the size and distribution of avalanche concerns will increase as you head north in the forecast area to drainages that received higher snow totals out of yesterday’s storm. Beyond the risk of avalanches, it will be important to remember that before this storm, many surfaces in exposed areas were hard and slick. You will likely find some “dust on crust” conditions in the backcountry today. Bringing specialized tools like ski and/or boot crampons and an ice ax may make for more pleasant travel, depending on where you wish to travel today.

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