Avalanche forecast

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Northeast winds transported snow in the alpine yesterday. Use extra caution around wind-sculpted snow in extreme terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Yesterday blowing snow was observed above the treeline in the Mammoth Lakes area. Recent wind-deposited snow is primarily found on west and southwest aspects above the treeline but could be found on leeward terrain features on any aspect in isolated areas. These wind deposits will be most dangerous in confined terrain features with a large fetch, for example, a steep narrow gully on the leeward side of a ridge that has large open snow fields on its windward side. Recent field observations found wind slabs unreactive to ski testing, however, there is plenty of variability in snow surfaces in the alpine, and more sensitive slabs could be found in just the wrong spot. Extra caution is advised around wind-deposited snow in consequential terrain. Do your own local stability assessments before committing to consequential terrain.

    (1/26/2023)

    Wind Slab on a test slope. West aspect NTL.

Avalanche Discussion

With winds dropping today the wind slab problem should decrease in sensitivity and likelihood from yesterday. Even with very good regional stability, residual uncertainty remains. Keep in mind that traveling in avalanche terrain in winter has inherent risks.

Cornices over NE terrain are a potential trigger for older slabs and are a hazard in their own right. It is a good policy to avoid traveling on slopes with overhanging cornices. If assessing terrain from a corniced ridgeline a good technique is to have a partner spot from a distance as you approach the edge to make sure you are not standing on the cantilevered edge of a large cornice.

Regions covered