Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A poor refreeze last night combined with increasing temperatures means that wet loose avalanches are possible today. Keep an eye on melting surface snow over the course of the day, it may be a good idea to avoid traveling on or underneath steep slopes if surface snow becomes wet and unconsolidated.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet loose avalanches are likely with warmer temperatures today, especially on sun-exposed slopes. Snow near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs may warm faster. Wet snow, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming that indicate conditions are approaching the threshold for wet snow avalanching. If these signs are present, it is good practice to avoid steep sun-baked slopes, especially in confined or cliffy terrain that limits options to escape runouts and could concentrate debris flows.

Avalanche Discussion

Uncertainty today centers around how much melting will occur on northerly slopes.  Today will be warm, even above 11,000', so there is potential for previously cold snow to melt. The snowpack had a strong period of refreezing over three nights from 4/17 to 4/19, which helped it gain strength. However, the poor refreeze last night means that melt water is continuously percolating through the snowpack so there is increased potential for wet snow instability. So far this spring this has been limited to wet loose activity. In the coming days as the run of warm days continues, we will be keeping an eye out for glide avalanches and wet slabs, these are unlikely for now, but worth keeping in mind.

Variable surface conditions and difficult access should remain top of mind for the backcountry enthusiast today. Hard and slick surfaces may require the use of mountaineering equipment such as boot and/or ski crampons. Experience and instruction are required to safely use these tools. In addition, keep in mind that parking may still be limited at trailheads and many access roads in the regions that sustained significant flood damage this winter. Factor in extra time to account for the potential of a long and arduous approach, and keep in mind that driving around closures can have negative impacts on the environment.

Regions covered