Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Wet loose avalanche activity will become increasingly likely as temperatures warm. Monitor surfaces as they soften, and reduce your exposure to steep slopes as the snow transitions to wet and slushy.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    Yesterday's warm temperatures made wet loose avalanches increasingly likely. Last night's freeze was poor, and similar daytime highs are expected today. Expect any surface crust to soften quickly and for the likelihood to tick up yet again. Places that received the most new snow in last week's storm (Virginia Lakes, Tioga Pass, Mammoth Area, and near the Sierra Crest) are the most likely places to encounter wet loose avalanches. Fresh avalanche activity and roller balls or pinwheels are direct signs of instability. Reduce your exposure to steep terrain with slushy snow at the surface. Move to shadier or gentler terrain as the surface transitions to unsupportable and wet.

    (4/6/2026)

    Triggering small wet loose avalanches on east facing slopes up to 11,500 ft was easy around noon.

    Photo: Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

As temperatures warmed yesterday, most surfaces were affected by the sun and the heat. It is likely that only high-elevation, steep, due-north slopes may still hold cold, dry snow. In these areas, continue to monitor for isolated slab instabilities. 

The majority of avalanche activity over the past 5 days has been confined to patchy drifts of our most recent snow across specific terrain features and in areas that received the most new snow. Reduce your exposure to any avalanche hazard by traveling off of recently drifted snow and onto old, frozen surfaces. Places with old, frozen snow at the surface may be firm and slick, especially early this morning. Bring sharp tools like crampons to reduce your vulnerability to a slip or fall. As our old surfaces soften, favorable conditions have been reported. Timing, aspect, and elevation will be the best tools to find the goods.

Before you head out, consider all the other springtime hazards at play: sketchy creek crossings, open water, patchy coverage, rockfall, and cornice failures. Bring the sunscreen, keep a watchful eye on the terrain above you, and expect changing conditions through your travels.

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