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Backcountry Avalanche Forecast
Issued
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – 7:00AM
Author
Greg Cunningham
Eastside Region
Eastside RegionBottom Line
Strong southwest winds and available snow will create new, reactive wind slabs today. You’re most likely to encounter wind slab avalanches near and above treeline where snow is actively being drifted. Weak, old snow is now buried 3 to 6+ feet deep, and a persistent slab avalanche would require a very large trigger.
Avalanche Problem #1
Two flavors of wind slabs are on the menu today. On 1/5, widespread wind slab avalanche activity was observed throughout the region. These older wind slabs could be large and have become stubborn. Winds are on the rise again, but there is less snow available to build slabs. Expect fresh deposits today to be relatively small, but more reactive to human triggers. Recent avalanches, blowing snow, cornices and drifts are all indicators that you may have found the wind slab avalanche problem.
It will be unpleasant on ridgetops and exposed slopes today, and you can reduce your risk of encountering wind slab avalanches by considering protected skiing and riding options.
Avalanche Problem #2
Weak, faceted snow from November is now buried 3 to 6+ feet down and will be unlikely for a human to trigger. With that being said, widespread natural wind slab avalanches on 1/5 appear to have “stepped down” into deep, persistent layers in numerous locations. Photographs and observations show large crowns below cliffs and ridgelines that connect through multiple start zones. Steep, unsupported slopes that held snow in mid-December are the areas we are most concerned with. In general, these are northerly and easterly aspects near and above treeline. The only sure way to avoid this problem is to stay off slopes steep enough to avalanche and terrain connected to these slopes.
Forecast Discussion
While yesterday was a beautiful day to get out and look around after the storm, today will feel a little more uncomfortable in the hills. Increasing winds will move snow around and lead to increasing avalanche hazard. Ridgetop and mid-elevation winds already seem to be exceeding the forecast, and avalanche hazard management today will be tricky. Old wind slabs from 1/5 will be harder to trigger, but could be quite large. New wind slabs will be more reactive to a rider’s weight, but also on the smaller side. If you choose to brave the alpine today, don’t be surprised to find isolated pockets with larger wind deposits.
Mountain Weather
Issued
Wednesday, January 7, 2026 – 7:00AM
Author
Greg Cunningham
A week system will pass by to our north, and we will see increasing clouds but little or no precipitation. The main impact from this system will be moderate to strong southwest winds throughout today, peaking overnight. Tomorrow, high pressure reestablishes over the region and is expected to remain in place through the weekend and beyond.
This information is provided by the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions. It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.
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