Eastside Region

Generally stable conditions persist across the forecast area, and avalanches are unlikely at all elevations. Variable surfaces and shallow early-season conditions remain the greatest hazards in the backcountry. 

Dry and clear conditions persist today, keeping the focus for backcountry travelers on a generally shallow snowpack and a variety of challenging surface conditions. Snow depths vary greatly across the forecast area. The deepest and most consistent snowpack is in the Mammoth area, with over a meter of snow in favored locations. Generally, thinner and more sporadic coverage can be found as you move north toward Virginia Lakes or south toward Bishop Creek.  While loose surface facets can be found in some protected and shaded areas at higher elevations, a variety of surface crusts are more prevalent across the forecast area.  Ranging from thin breakable crusts to more robust melt-freeze or wind-compacted crusts, you should expect to contend with a wide variety of challenging surfaces no matter where you decide to travel.

A change in the weather pattern is expected this week as a series of winter storms impact California.  Increasing winds and small amounts of precipitation are possible beginning Thursday,  with a more impactful storm expected as we move into the weekend. While avalanche conditions have become generally stable over the past weeks of high pressure, this will likely change as we see more unstable weather later in the week.