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 this morning combined with continued strong SW winds will keep avalanche danger HIGH at all elevations today. Fresh sensitive Wind Slabs will be the primary concern, followed by Storm Slabs, and finally the potential for a Deep Persistent slab avalanche.  Travel in or under avalanche terrain is NOT recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–3

    Heavy snowfall overnight continuing thru this morning combined with strong SW winds will continue to build sensitive dangerous Wind Slabs on easterly thru northerly aspects at all elevations thru today.  Natural avalanches are likely and human triggered avalanches are VERY likely. Be very aware of the terrain above you, as wind loading on steep slopes above could release large slides into low-angled treed terrain below. Keep you and your loved ones out from under wind loaded roof tops in town as well. 

  • Storm Slabs

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

    With snowfall rates of 2-3” an hour this morning, triggering soft storm slab avalanches in steep terrain sheltered from the wind will be likely on all aspects.  If you are out travelling in mellow terrain, be wary of small steep convex rolls particularly above a gully where triggering even a small slide could result in a burial. The gullies along the approach to Red Cone come to mind. Choose your route wisely.

    Loose dry sloughing could be considerable in steep terrain as well, and could sweep a rider off their feet or again end in a burial in a gully bottom.          

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    An impressive 5-9” of water content and many feet of snow have been added to our snowpack since last Wednesday the 22nd. Mammoth ski patrol reported wide-spread large to very large avalanches as a result of explosive control work yesterday morning, some of which stepped down and triggered very large Deep Persistent Slab avalanches failing in weak facets near the ground. Reports of some very large natural avalanches in the backcountry came in with yesterday morning’s clearing as well. While it is unclear if these failed in old deeply buried weak layers, we can’t rule out that possibility. Additional heavy loading today tipping the balance, a rider hitting just the right shallow sensitive spot, or the force of a smaller Wind Slab avalanche, could all be triggers for another slope to release near the ground resulting in a deadly avalanche. Steep slopes with snow cover prior to December are where this concern lies. (>~9,200’, W-N-E-SE facing). Regardless, It’s not recommended to be playing around in or under this type of terrain today anyway.     

Avalanche Discussion

Deep snow immersion is also a real possibility.  Falling head first in deep soft snow can be deadly without someone nearby to help you. 

*New snowfall amounts last night and this morning are expected to be less for the southern parts of the forecast area, but with continued strong winds human triggered and natural avalanches will still be likely. 

Regions covered