Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Dangerous avalanche conditions driven by new snow and wind exist this morning. Slab avalanches will be larger and more likely on leeward aspects, as you gain elevation, and get closer to the Sierra Crest. Carefully assess for instability like shooting cracks and loose dry sluffing in the new snow and avoid steep slopes with avalanche paths above you.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Storm instabilities, both slabs and sluffs will be sensitive throughout the morning at least. Large avalanches failing within the new snow and at the new/old snow interface will be possible in all areas. South winds have drifted snow onto leeward slopes, making larger and more frequent avalanches possible on northeasterly terrain features. Carefully assess for shooting cracks in upside-down new snow, or long-running sluffs where the surface is incohesive. Be extra cautious of your exposure to terrain features that increase the consequences of avalanches. This includes road cuts, gully features, cliff bands, and mid-slope depressions. Avoiding steep terrain with overhead exposure to avalanche start zones is the safest way to manage your risk of getting caught.

    (3/28/2024)

    Shooting cracking in a soft slab.

    Photo: Clancy Nelson

Avalanche Discussion

The hazard this morning is driven by new snow and wind that began yesterday as another storm moved into the region. The most new precipitation thus far has fallen near Mammoth, and at higher elevations along the Sierra crest. Anticipate larger, more sensitive slabs, and more dangerous conditions in these areas. Snowfall rates peaked overnight into early this morning and showers are expected throughout the day. Though winds will be less than yesterday, they are expected to remain gusty at ridgetops, enough to stiffen loose surface snow in exposed areas. Temperatures and snow levels may rise enough to create upside-down slabs that you can fall through. Track new and drifting snow carefully until the rate of new loading diminishes.

Most instability is expected within the new and recent storm snow. Snow from the last storm settled yesterday on near and below treeline slopes. That snow is sitting atop a melt-freeze crust in most areas. On isolated, protected, northerly terrain features a thin layer of facets exists at the interface buried on March 23rd.  This layer may cause any avalanches failing within the snow from earlier this week to break wider than anticipated. 

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