Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

Intense snowfall and extreme winds will continue to load our snowpack throughout the day at all elevations. Avalanches are very likely today, and traveling in, above, and below avalanche terrain is not recommended. 

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

    Expect instabilities in the storm snow at all aspects and elevations as intense wind loading and snowfall rates continue today. Soft storm slab instabilities are very likely to exist in below treeline terrain and protected terrain features such as depressions and gullies. You can expect stiffer, wind-affected soft and hard slabs to be even larger in leeward terrain near and above treeline. Because this hazard is widespread and very likely today, travel in, above, and below avalanche terrain is not recommended.

    Soft slab BTL, leeward aspect. 

    Photo: Everett Phillips

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5

    The intense wind loading and snowfall of the last 24 hours is expected to continue throughout today. This will continue to stress the weak layers at the base of our snowpack. An avalanche on these layers may have no warning signs, and may break in unexpected ways. An avalanche on these layers may be more likely in areas where the snowpack is generally shallower, such as the northern and southern ends of the forecast zone, in areas closer to HWY 395, and in isolated terrain features throughout the region. Along the crest, and in the Mammoth and June Lake areas, these layers sit below a much deeper snowpack. While less likely, an avalanche on these layers is not out of the question.  A persistent slab avalanche may involve the entire snowpack, and could run a long distance, entraining lots of snow along the way. Avoid avalanche terrain, as well as runout zones, to minimize your exposure. 

    (2/3/2024)

    A very large persistent slab avalanche on Mt. Laurel.

    Photo: Everett Phillips

Avalanche Discussion

Storm totals have yet to match the "hype," but we are experiencing a winter storm in the region with snowfall and exceptionally high winds. Avalanche hazard has increased accordingly. 

Instabilities within the new storm snow, and at the new snow/old snow interface, are expected today throughout the forecast region. Size and reactivity is dependent on localized rates of snowfall and wind speed. Avalanches may be limited to surface instabilities, or may break in the weak layers at the base of our snowpack as they are continually loaded. We have witnessed natural avalanches on these layers during every major loading event this season. With limited visibility today, due to winds and snowfall rates, it may be hard to tell where you are in relation to the terrain above and beneath you. Navigation could be difficult, and a frigid wind-chill will further add to the gnarly conditions.

Just leaving the house may be hard in mountain communities. As significant snow accumulates in town, be aware of overhead hazards from roofs and short, steep slopes above confined areas. 

Road conditions and closures are uncertain, as is plowed parking. Snow plows and emergency services will need time and space as they try to keep up with the storm.

Regions covered