Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Wet avalanches will become more likely as the upper snowpack melts. While most avalanches will sluff off the surface, there’s still a chance for dangerously unpredictable slab avalanches breaking deeper on old weak layers. Account for high uncertainty by giving yourself a wide margin and limiting your exposure to steep terrain with deep wet snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3

    Water has been moving through the snowpack and wetting buried weak layers. Slab avalanches failed naturally through Wednesday. Most have been south of McGee, though we have reports of a few north of Mammoth. Large natural slab avalanches remain possible in isolated areas today. 

    Wet slab avalanches are hard to predict. While collapses and shooting cracks are red flags, there are often no warning signs before they release. Small sluffs may be enough to trigger a slab. If triggered, an avalanche could be dangerously large. Wet slab avalanches result in heavy, destructive debris flows that can gouge into old snow or the ground. The best way to manage this problem today is to give yourself a wide safety margin. Avoid being on or under slopes steeper than 30° when the snow is wet. 

    Recent Slab Avalanche, San Joaquin Ridge

    Photo: Steve Mace

  • Loose Wet

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

    Today will be the warmest day of the week, with freezing levels rising well above 12,000 feet. After a moderate refreeze, temperatures are rising early this morning. When the surface melts, wet loose avalanches will become possible. Rollerballs and large pinwheels mean deteriorating conditions. Sinking into deep wet snow is a sign that you should stick to slopes with lower slope angles and minimal overhead hazards. A small wet loose avalanche could act as a trigger for a larger and more destructive wet slab. Continue to give yourself wide safety margins where the snowpack is wet and unsupportable.

    (2/26/2026)

    Wet Avalanche Activity, Tioga area

    Photo: Steve Mace

Avalanche Discussion

The most pertinent observations from yesterday include a wet slab avalanche that recently failed on San Joaquin Ridge between Mammoth and June, and large wet loose avalanches coming down from alpine terrain in Lee Vining Canyon. With freezing levels and temperatures higher today, we’ve kept wet slab avalanches on the menu and added upper elevations for wet loose.

The transition happened too fast. From winter storm, to buried weak layers, to late-spring conditions in the span of a week. The snowpack hasn’t had time to catch its breath. It’s too hot, and it’s not normal, and that increases uncertainty. It’s best to factor that into your tour plans by creating options and building in wide safety margins.

Other perils of an early spring include rockfall, rising creeks and open water, and emerging obstacles. If you’re traveling early to avoid the thaw, sharp tools and a headlamp may be necessary. 

Regions covered