Eastside Region

Avalanche danger is LOW. Variable and perilous “slide-for-life” conditions are the greatest hazards in the backcountry. Be on the lookout for heating of snow surfaces and rockfall in W-SW-S-SE aspects at ALL ELEVATIONS as temperatures ramp up and winds lighten on Monday.

It will be a sunny day with plenty of solar input and warm temperatures. Winds are forecast to be light and the length of daylight and direct solar input is increasing as winter begins to wane. Be watchful for warming of snow surfaces on W-SW-S-SE aspects, especially in confined terrain where solar input will amplify surface softening and loosening of rock. Check for supportability of the snow by taking your ski off and checking boot penetration. If you're sinking way above your boot, this indicates a less than optimal slope to be upon in regards to potential loose-wet slides or for that matter enjoyable riding conditions. There was a good freeze last night and most southerly aspects have now been baked down and resemble more spring-like snow rather than transitioning winter snow. This will help reduce sizeable loose-wet avalanche activity, but it still should be given consideration. Note that westerly aspects, especially at mid to lower elevations, are where you may find more transitional and sticky snow with increased potential for loose-wet conditions, especially by the afternoon.

Snow surfaces in the alpine environments are quite firm, eroded and undercut by recent upslope winds. Touring in the Eastern Sierra is an exciting challenge right now and it remains good practice to reduce one’s exposure to cliffs or where a fall on steep and incredibly firm slopes may be un-recoverable. Open snowfields at all elevations are equally as smooth and hard where ski and boot crampons are advantageous to aid in travel. Ski mountaineering equipment (ice axe, whippet, crampons & helmet) are all good, if not mandatory tools for your kit currently. Faceting surfaces within sheltered trees remain some of the least impactful and fun “recycled” soft turns available out there if you can sniff them out.