Eastside Region

We have reached the end of the 2025/2026 operating season, but our dynamic spring weather continues. Avalanche activity is likely to continue throughout the remainder of the spring season.  Winter-like avalanche conditions may develop during stormy periods, increasing the avalanche hazard. Wind slab and storm instabilities will be top of mind during and immediately following mountain snow events. As the storm clears and warm spring weather returns, you can expect a spike in Wet Loose avalanche activity. For more information on specific avalanche problems, please follow this LINK.

In addition, you can monitor the Observations page for updated information on current snowpack and travel conditions. To help with the public information exchange regarding avalanche conditions, please continue to submit your field observations to the ESAC website by following this LINK.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center this season.  Whether you made a financial contribution or posted your field observations through our website, we could not do what we do without your support.

Avalanche considerations 

• As we move firmly into spring, it’s important to remember that this is a transitional time for the weather and the snowpack. Conditions will fluctuate between cold winter-like storms and extended warm, dry periods. With such dynamic weather, you can expect equally dynamic avalanche conditions. 
• During long dry periods with increased temperatures and greater solar gain, the snowpack is likely to transition to a typical melt-freeze cycle, and stability concerns may be specific to wet snow avalanches. 
• Be wary when overnight temperatures remain above freezing.
• Ascend slopes while they are hard and frozen, descend when they begin to soften, and be off of them before they get wet and unsupportable.  
• Be sure to bring the proper equipment. Tools like an ice ax and boot or ski crampons may be essential, depending on where you wish to travel.
• Expect an increase in avalanche hazard during or just after a storm cycle. During these periods, you can expect to be dealing with avalanche problems more typical of the winter months, such as Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs, or Dry Loose avalanches. This may be followed by a spike in Wet Loose concerns after the storm clears and sunny days return. 

Be wary of other springtime hazards.

• Factor in extra time for your given objective to account for difficult approaches and damaged roads.
• The snowline is rising, long stretches of dirt and rock punctuate the terrain, and rising creeks and open water on lakes may make travel more difficult in some areas.
• Keep in mind that driving around road closures can have lasting negative impacts on the ecosystem.
• Large cornices can collapse without warning and further back from the edge than you may expect when subjected to a rider’s weight, high temperatures, and/or intense solar input.
• Snow bridges over creeks will weaken and may collapse as the water rises and the snow begins to melt.
• New snow will cover obstacles like rocks, bushes, and fallen trees.

In dynamic times like this, it is essential to remember the basics.

• If there is snow on the ground, avalanches are possible in the mountains. Recent avalanche activity is a sign that others may be triggered.
• Avalanche terrain does not become less consequential during the spring. Use conservative terrain choices and safe travel techniques to limit your exposure.
• Always keep an eye out for the “red flags.” 
  • Recent avalanche activity
  • shooting cracks or collapsing in the snowpack
  • heavy snowfall
  • strong winds and blowing snow
  • rapid warming, and strong sun on fresh snowfall.
• In times of heightened uncertainty, tone it back and keep it simple.

Weather and snowpack links

• The Observation page will continue to update and is a valuable resource for sharing current information on the snowpack, recent avalanche activity, and travel conditions. View it HERE.
• Are you seeing anything surprising or notable? Please consider submitting your observations to the ESAC website HERE.
• For updated weather links, check our Weather resources page HERE.
• The Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol site is another great resource for weather information. Mammoth Mountain has the most extensive network of wind gauges within the forecast area, and a collection of links to external resources can be found at the bottom of the page. View it HERE.

From all of us at ESAC, thank you for your support! We hope you have a safe and fruitful spring season.