Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

The avalanche hazard will rise as snowfall and strong winds impact the region through the weekend, and an Avalanche Watch is in effect. As new snow accumulates today, natural avalanches will become increasingly likely. Avoid slopes steeper than 30 degrees if you're venturing out in the mountains.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Strong to extreme southwesterly winds accompany this storm, depositing snow on the leeward side of ridgelines. The size of avalanches will increase with continued snowfall, and drifts will begin to envelope entire start zones. Dense slabs will build rapidly today and may overload buried weak layers. A relatively small slab may step down to old snow at the base of the snowpack, creating an even larger and more destructive avalanche. With minimal visibility expected during the storm, identifying wind-loaded slopes will be difficult. Avoid being on or under terrain steeper than 30 degrees.

    (1/2/2026) Photo: Ayelet Bitton

  • Storm Slabs

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

    The likelihood and size of storm instabilities will increase with continued snowfall. Much of this snow is falling on a slick crust. This crust near the surface will enable both slabs and sluffs to slide easily. Avoid being on or under terrain steeper than 30 degrees. As snow continues accumulating through the weekend, watch for overhead hazards in town, such as roof avalanches and short slopes above confined areas.

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Persistent Slabs

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

    Rapid loading could reawaken weak layers at the base of our snowpack. A human would just be the straw on the camel's back if an avalanche occurred. While leftover snow from October and November is isolated to higher elevation (> 9500’) northerly slopes, an avalanche failing in this snow may run to low elevations. Avalanches failing near the ground will be highly destructive, may travel long distances, and may connect multiple start zones. To avoid any involvement with these terrifying beasts, avoid avalanche paths, including their historic runouts at lower elevations.

    (2/16/2025)

    Large Persistent Slab avalanche. Half Moon Pass -  Rock creek drainage

Avalanche Discussion

If we receive forecasted snow totals, avalanche conditions will rapidly rise at all elevations today. Favored locations, such as Mammoth, will be the most hazardous in the region. We expect avalanches in the Mammoth area to be larger and more sensitive to triggers. Dangerous avalanche conditions will spread throughout the region by this afternoon.

Regions covered