Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Strong winds and clear skies led to a superficial refreeze last night despite overnight temperatures near or above freezing.  Keep an eye on melting surface snow throughout the course of the day. The best bet is to get an early start and time your day to be away from steep slopes, start zones, and the runouts of avalanche paths before the upper snowpack becomes wet and unconsolidated.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    You can expect to see surface snow melt quickly as the sun comes out this morning and air temperatures climb. Strong winds may slow the process and limit the size potential of loose wet activity on more shaded aspects and at higher elevations. Areas near rock outcroppings, cliff bands, and tight rocky couloirs where the effects of warming are amplified will present elevated hazards. Wet, sticky snow surfaces, rollerballs and pinwheels, and increasing boot penetration are all signs of surface warming and may foreshadow larger point-release avalanches. Be wary of overhead hazards today and be ready to retreat if the surface snow thaws causing you to sink deep into wet unconsolidated snow. 

    Easily triggered small loose wet sluffs on steep test slopes by mid-day.

    Lee Vining area (04/23/2023)

Avalanche Discussion

Timing is everything when it comes to dealing with loose wet instabilities. Avalanche concerns will grow in size and distribution as the day progresses and it’s generally a good idea to get started early, climb slopes while they are hard, and be ready to descend before they become loose and unconsolidated. With our current pattern of weak overnight refreeze and above-average temperatures you can expect surface snow to warm more quickly becoming unstable by mid-day. We are firmly into the season where special considerations are important for successful adventures. Specialized tools like boot and/ or ski crampons and an ice ax may be necessary equipment to navigate hard and slick surfaces, and remaining flexible on your route choice and destination will be advantageous for the backcountry enthusiast.

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