Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Generally stable avalanche conditions exist.  Small, wet loose avalanches may become possible by midday as temperatures warm. Monitor the surface for warming and move to shadier or lower-angle terrain if it becomes unsupportable or slushy.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Cooler temperatures, gusty winds, and variable cloud cover will slow the warming process today. However, without a strong overnight freeze, it will remain important to monitor the surface for warming wherever you decide to travel. Small, wet loose avalanches may become possible by midday in areas with recently drifted snow. Places that received the most new snow in last week's storm (Virginia Lakes, Tioga Pass, Mammoth Area, and near the Sierra Crest) are the most likely places to encounter wet loose avalanches. Fresh avalanche activity and roller balls or pinwheels are signs of instability. You can reduce your exposure by getting an early start and moving off of recent drifts and onto old surfaces before surface snow becomes wet and unsupportable.

    (4/3/2026)

Avalanche Discussion

Field observations continue to highlight generally favorable skiing and riding conditions, along with typical springtime considerations. Isolated wet snow avalanches, long & dry approaches, patchy snow coverage, warm temperatures, and variable surfaces are all on the menu today. Get an early start and consider specialized tools to manage hard snow surfaces this morning.

The spring can be a very dynamic time in the mountains, and it looks like we are in for a change in the weather pattern over the weekend. A winter storm watch has been issued for the Eastern Sierra.  Beginning tomorrow afternoon, we can expect decreasing temperatures, gusty winds, and mountain snow showers.  Unsettled weather is expected to continue through the weekend, with snow lines dropping as low as 7,000 feet and significant snow accumulations possible by Sunday night. Keep this in mind as you start to think through your weekend plans. New snow and increasing winds will lead to rising hazard and a return to midwinter avalanche considerations.

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