Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche danger is MODERATE for Friday. Continued above average temperatures and strong sun will weaken the snowpack quickly today. Human triggered Wet-Loose avalanches are possible at all elevations on all aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    We are in the midst of a long stretch (96 hours or more) without freezing temperatures at all elevations. Any refreeze of the snow surface has been superficial the past couple nights. Thus, surface snow has been warming and weakening quickly during the day thanks to strong sun and above average temperatures. During the heat of the day it remains possible for a skier or rider to trigger a Wet Loose avalanche.

    Terrain features receiving direct sun warm quickly and the danger will predictably rise on E, S and W aspects throughout the day. Be cautious on shadier aspects (N, NE) that may hold colder snow that is still easing into the melt-freeze cycle. In certain terrain features this transitional snowpack may be more prone to avalanching since the snowpack is still adapting to the temperature change.

    Over the past couple of days we have observed or received reports of isolated, natural wet-loose avalanche activity on N and NE aspects in the alpine. This is a clear indication that there are areas of unstable snow to be mindful of. Conduct your own localized assessments of warming and weakening snow on the slopes that you are traveling on, or are exposed to from above.

Avalanche Discussion

Continued above average temperatures have decimated our remaining snowpack. Remote weather stations are indicating 2” or more of snowpack loss per day. This is easing access to some areas thanks to roads melting out, but complicates approaches due to long stretches of dirt, rock and brush. Creeks are running higher and snow bridges are collapsing. Lakes are also beginning to show signs of melt. These factors could contribute to longer than expected approach times to objectives in high elevation terrain where the best skiing and riding conditions are. Timing is critical to manage the wet-loose avalanche problem. Start early and plan to be out of avalanche terrain during the heat of the day.

Temperatures will cool and winds will increase this weekend ahead of a storm approaching the area. By Monday we are expecting strong winds, light snow and very cold temperatures. This will be an abrupt change in conditions following our current heatwave. Plan to adjust your mindset accordingly.

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