Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Heavy snow and strong winds will create very dangerous avalanche conditions today.  Large touchy wind slabs will be our primary concern, and storm instabilities may grow in size, becoming more sensitive throughout the day. Traveling in or underneath avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Dangerous wind slab conditions exist on northerly and easterly terrain features, particularly near and above treeline. Expect the size and distribution of fresh, sensitive wind slabs to grow substantially today as strong winds and heavy snow continue to impact the forecast area. Be suspect of terrain features that encourage drifting such as the leeward sides of ridgelines, gully features, and cross-loaded depressions.  Large natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely today.  Avalanches may run long distances and into lower angle, or treed terrain you may typically think of as “safe”. Be cognizant of what is above you today. Travel in and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

    (12/28/2022)

    Crown line and bed surface of size 2 human-triggered wind slab in Redcone Bowl

  • Storm Slabs

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

    As of the time of publishing, up to 10” of new snow has been recorded throughout the region, with the highest totals in the northern part of the forecast area and in areas near the Sierra crest. Snowfall rates are expected to increase periodically today, and up to 12” of additional accumulation is possible at mid-elevations by this evening. Storm instabilities, both slabs and loose surface sluffs, will grow in size and become more sensitive as the day progresses. Elevated caution is advised in terrain over 30° today. Be cognizant of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions.

     

    This natural avalanche released during a loading event Below treeline.

Avalanche Discussion

Extreme caution is advised if you decide to head into the backcountry today.  The risk of large and destructive avalanches will become more likely as the day progresses. Furthermore, our streak of dry and cold weather has led to significant surface faceting throughout the range. These persistent grains at the new/old interface could make fresh avalanche concerns more sensitive than you may typically expect. It may be possible to trigger an avalanche from a distance today or from adjacent terrain. Give yourself a wide safety margin and be wary of hazards that may reside above you. Use terrain choice to limit your exposure.

Regions covered