Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

LOW avalanche danger persists at all elevations. It may be possible to find isolated areas of unstable snow today in the form of loose wet instabilities on solar aspects. In addition, very firm and variable surface conditions remain a concern at all elevations.  Identify features of concern, be prepared for hard and slick surfaces, and be on the lookout for isolated areas of unstable snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Unseasonably warm temperatures coupled with continued light winds, and sunny skies may lead to substantial surface warming on solar aspects today. The sun remains relatively low in the sky and a hard refreeze occurred last night which will limit the potential for consequential surface melt this morning. However, some surface softening should be expected, particularly at lower elevations, on SE-S-SW aspects, and in the afternoon hours. Do your own localized assessments and be ready to retreat if surface melt becomes concerning. Be particularly cautious at lower elevations and in areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight southerly facing couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified. Wet, sticky snow surface, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point release avalanches.

Avalanche Discussion

Finding areas of unstable snow may be possible today on solar aspects. However, interacting with a plethora of hard and slick surface conditions will be nearly impossible to avoid. Be mindful of this if you decide to venture into more consequential terrain today.  An otherwise innocuous fall could quickly turn into a “slide for life situation”. Be aware of your exposure to terrain hazards such as long steep slopes, rock outcroppings, cliff bands, tight chokes, or tree islands. When in doubt, start small and slow it down. Prepare yourself by bringing (and practicing with) the proper equipment for your objective. Ski and/or boot crampons and an ice ax may be critical equipment depending on where you wish to travel. Above all, knowledge is key. If you are new to the ski mountaineering realm, set yourself up for success by practicing crucial skills in low consequence terrain, learn from a mentor, or hire a guide if you are unsure but want to tackle some bigger objectives.

 

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