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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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Hard old wind slabs exist at higher elevations. Triggering one of these rounded, rippled drifts is unlikely but not impossible. They will be more hazardous as you enter alpine chutes or extreme terrain. Give cornices a wide berth.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Northerly ridgetop winds were strong yesterday and through the night. There is little snow left to blow around and new slab development on southerly slopes should be limited. If you see snow drifting onto the slopes you want to ride, consider the consequences of triggering a slide - particularly in complex or extreme terrain. Hard slabs can break from the edges where they are the thinnest. You can limit your exposure by avoiding rounded, hollow-feeling drifts on the sidewalls of high-elevation chutes and under corniced ridgelines. Cornices are their own hazard. Especially if they break beneath you or tumble down the slope above you. A large cornice fall may be just the thing to trigger an avalanche large enough to injure or bury you. That scenario is unlikely, though it deserves consideration if you head into steep leeward terrain.

    (1/24/2023)

    A large natural wind slab avalanche in Bishop Creek. Northeast aspect. Above treeline. Likely the result of a large cornice fall.

Avalanche Discussion

A large natural wind slab avalanche ran on a northeast aspect of the Bishop Creek drainage on Sunday or Monday. That is the last report we have of any instability. It may have failed as a result of solar warming or cornice fall. Large cornices loom over ridgelines, which deserve caution whether you’re traveling above or below them.

Wind-hardened snow and sun crusts cover open terrain across the forecast area. Travel conditions are variable, and crampons and an ice ax may be necessary, depending on where you want to ride. You may want to check your speed where surfaces are breakable to avoid torn ligaments or broken legs. 

Cold, clear, and relatively calm weather has caused surface faceting in many areas. While recycled powder is fun to ride now, it may create a new weak layer once buried. Help us figure out the distribution of weak, sugary grains in the upper snowpack before active weather returns early next week. Thanks for your observations! 

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