Bollettino valanghe

Eastside Region

Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center
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Pericolo valanghe

Mon
Alta quota
3 · Marcato
Limite del bosco
3 · Marcato
Sotto il limite
2 · Moderato
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In sintesi

Look for wind slabs to increase in size and likelihood today with increasing wind and snowfall. Uncertainty remains surrounding the potential for avalanches to step down into deep layers.  Be careful around and below leeward start zones that are collecting wind-transported snow.

Problemi valanghivi

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Very Likely
    Dimensione
    1–2

    Wind-drifted snow accumulates more rapidly than direct snowfall alone and may form cohesive slabs of variable depth over weak surface snow. These will most likely be found on the leeward side of ridges and in cross-loaded gullies and couloirs. Watch out for changes in snow surface texture and hardness around terrain features that block or re-direct winds. Shooting cracks and firm hollow-sounding snow are signs that new wind slabs may be unstable in your area. Wind slabs may be touchy where they are poorly bonded to melt-freeze crusts and yesterday's weak snow surface. Extra caution is warranted around leeward start zones. When in doubt avoid wind-loaded slopes.

    Large human-triggered wind slab in Redcone Bowl. 12/28/22.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alta quota
    • Limite del bosco
    • Sotto il limite del bosco
    Probabilità
    Possible
    Dimensione
    2–4

    Deep Persistent slab avalanches failing within older layers of snow from late February have become a low likelihood/high consequence scenario. Human triggering of these layers is unlikely, however, there is the potential for large natural wind slab releases to step down. If triggered, expect deep slabs to propagate widely, connect multiple start zones and terrain features, and run long distances to valley floors.  You can decrease your exposure to the problem by limiting time spent in complex terrain and in the tracks and runouts of large avalanche paths. Areas of heightened concern include large low-elevation terrain traps like deep canyons between mountainsides and creek beds at the entrance to alpine cirques.

    Deep Slab, NE 11,000' - Nevahbe Ridge. Natural release on 20230314.(3/15/2023)

     

     

     

Avalanche Discussion

Multiple natural deep slab avalanches released during the last round of loading on 3/14/23. These included several very large and historic avalanches. The last reported activity on the Feb. PWL was a natural, D4, witnessed south of the forecast area near Owen's Point on 3/15/23.

A ski touring party in the Palisades (just south of the forecast area) reported triggering collapses within the past 48 hours. This report lines up with lower snow depths in the southern portion of the forecast area, and could mean that avalanches on the Feb. PWL are more likely in the southern part of the zone and other areas with shallower snow.

Keep in mind that the recent run of high-intensity storms has had serious impacts on communities, infrastructure, and road crews. Considerate travel choices and strategic parking will be appreciated if you decide to venture out today. With good coverage at lower elevations this winter, recent avalanches have been running further, impacting roadways and buildings in the communities of Virginia lakes, Mono City, June Lake, and Aspendell. It is important to practice good run-out awareness. Triggering an avalanche above infrastructure could have devastating consequences.  Have a backup plan, remember that it often takes multiple passes to clear roadways and trailhead parking. Road crews are working overtime to allow access to communities that have recently been stranded by heavy snow, avalanche activity, and flood damage. Blocking snow drifts, travel routes, and snow piles makes it impossible for road crews to continue their work.

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