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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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet loose avalanches will be possible on steep slopes, especially near rocky outcrops. Watch for rollerballs and deep wet snow that causes you to sink to your boottops. You can avoid the problem by moving away from overhead hazards to lower-angled terrain or by changing aspects before the surface becomes too wet.

Sunday, April 14th will be the last daily avalanche forecast of the season.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Temperatures have remained above freezing in many areas overnight. Clear skies are the primary reason the snow surface may have cooled enough to crust over this morning. That crust will melt quickly as the sun comes out and temperatures climb. On slopes not being cooled by clouds and southwest winds, wet loose avalanches will become a problem early in the day. Very steep, rocky slopes and areas with thin snow cover will warm first as the sun hits them. Thawing surface crusts or roller balls coming from your feet, or from cliff bands above you, are signs that loose wet avalanches are still a problem. Conditions will vary with aspect and elevation across the forecast area, and they’ll change quickly depending on how soon winds and cloud cover increase. An afternoon rain shower could increase wet snow instability. Monitor the weather and surface conditions and keep your plan flexible.

    (4/11/2024)

    Large natural wet loose avalanches on Nevahbe Ridge new this afternoon.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

Wet loose avalanche activity was widespread across the forecast area yesterday with small to large avalanches observed at all elevations. 

Overnight freezes have been brief below about 9500 feet for the past three days. Temperatures will be warm again today, though increasing winds and variable cloud cover could make areas of deep wet snow less widespread. Today will be transitional as colder, more active weather moves into the region for the weekend. 

Give large cornices perched over some slopes a wide berth. They deserve extra consideration during periods of rapid or prolonged warming, which can weaken their roots and make them more precarious. Falling cornices are a hazard in their own right and they are a large trigger for avalanches on the slopes below. 

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