Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger exists at upper elevations Sunday.  Low avalanche danger exists at the middle to lower elevations.  Winds have switched direction this morning to blow from the Southwest and will potentially build wind slab on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects up high today.  Warming of SE-S-SW aspects should also be considered, particularly if you’re travelling up or within constricted terrain that can be affected from above by shedding snow from wind loaded and heating aspects in the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    After a few days of primarily Northeast winds, wind direction began to change this morning to a Southwesterly flow in front of the next storm system. NW-N-NE-E-SE in the upper elevations will be the aspects of most concern today for potential Wind Slab development. Yesterday there was significant flagging and transport of snow to the southerly-westerly aspects up high from NE winds and while much of this snow was likely sublimated in the atmosphere or cooked down on the southerlies with the clear day, we can’t discount that there is snow readily available for transport  back to the Northerly-Easterly aspects today.  Smaller sensitive wind slabs, if triggered, may aid in entraining cold loose snow in lower reaches of terrain producing larger volume avalanches. There have been limited observations in the upper alpine regions the past few days, so keep the avalanche ears perked up for signs of hazard, such as recent avalanche activity, actively transporting snow, and sensitive surface conditions under foot such as shooting cracks and collapsing of the snowpack.  Be on the lookout for fat looking deposits of new snow especially adjacent to ridgeline and in areas of complex terrain conducive to capturing windblown snow.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    There was not much observed in regards to loose wet activity yesterday and the sunny conditions and warmth help melt and lock down new snow on solar aspects. Today’s weather conditions predict increasing clouds and cooling southwest winds that will help minimize the heating of solar aspects as well. That being said, predicted above freezing temperatures and cloud cover may induce a bit of greenhouse effect today and could elevate warming, and therefore loosening of recent new snow and wind deposits.  Maintain awareness for these conditions on SE-S-SW aspects. It still would be prudent to avoid travelling upwards in tight and confined terrain where you’re exposed from above by southerly facing terrain loaded by the past few days of northerly-easterly winds.  Even a small slide in this scenario could be quite hazardous if you find yourself in the wrong place at the right time. Formulating a good route plan today accounting for what may affect you from above will be key.

Avalanche Discussion

Remain vigilant for isolated pockets of dry loose snow and/or small wind affected slabs at and below treeline in extreme terrain. Convex roll overs, steep cross-loaded chutes and unsupported slopes still may harbor isolated areas of unstable snow from this past weeks snowfall. The Mammoth-June area received the most snow (upwards of 24") and will be the zone of most concern.

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RECENT OBSERVATIONS:

3/13 – June Lake Area – warming on solars

3/13 – Lee Vining –East Peak –snow conditions/warming

3/13 – Mammoth Area – Sherwins – snow conditions

3/13 - Mammoth Area – Panorama Dome –snowpit results

*Scroll up and click on “Observations” tab to see listing of past 20 observations, or click on the “Resources” menu --> “ESAC Observations” to see listing of all observations

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