Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Small loose wet sloughing resulting from daytime warming may be possible on solar aspects and thin reactive wind slabs may be found near and above treeline today, particularly on leeward terrain features and in cross-loaded catchment zones in the alpine. Monitor for changing conditions, use safe travel techniques and identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Spring-like weather will return today with very warm temperatures, sunny skies, and relatively light winds. Some surface moistening and an increased risk of rockfall should be expected on solar aspects today. In general, solar aspects are quite thin, and old snow has largely been cooked down at this point. However, easterly aspects and areas with more recent snow accumulations present a more transitional snowpack and should be approached with elevated caution.

    Keep an eye out for early warning signs such as sticky and moist surface snow, rollerballs & pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration. These are all clues that may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of your exposure to terrain hazards and be prepared to retreat to more shaded aspects if you notice that surface warming is reaching concerning levels.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Yesterday’s damaging southwest winds led to a decent amount of wind transport throughout the range even in more sheltered areas near and below treeline. With winds speed dropping to light speeds today continued slab development is not likely. However, it remains possible to find small, thin winds slabs sensitive to human triggers in isolated areas near and above treeline. Keep in mind that Strong winds can redistribute snow in unexpected ways. Don’t be surprised areas of deposition at lower elevations, in more sheltered areas, and further down slopes than you may typically expect to find them. Leeward terrain features and catchment zones on northerly and easterly aspects will be areas of primary concern. Be particularly cautious in extreme & complex terrain where even a small avalanche could cause a bad fall. Large drifts, recent cornice growth, stiff hollow feeling snow, and uneven snow surfaces are all clues that indicate nearby wind deposits. Do your own localized assessments and be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, alpine couloirs, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.

Avalanche Discussion

Beyond the concern for isolated areas of unstable snow today it remains important to keep our variable and challenging surface conditions in mind if you decide to head into the backcountry today. Overall the snowpack remains quite thin with a plethora of ”pre-season” obstacles exposed or buried just below the surface. Highly textured, 3-dimensional surfaces are common on all aspects, hard and slick slopes can be found at all elevations making for difficult travel, and moist, punchy, & sticky snow may make for unpredictable sliding. Be prepared with the proper equipment, start early, and be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, cliff bands, thinly covered obstacles, areas of dry ground, tight rocky chokes, and stands of bushes and trees.

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