General Avalanche Information
Issued
Friday, November 21, 2025 – 8:11AM
Author
Greg Cunningham
Eastside Region
Eastside RegionBottom Line
While there is enough snow up high for early-season recreation, the snowpack is generally shallow, and hitting obstacles is still a big concern. Northeast winds may be enough to create slab avalanche hazards through the weekend. Temperatures rise throughout the week, and the surface snow could become wet on sunny slopes. Keep in mind, even a small avalanche can have elevated consequences in low-tide conditions. Consider adjusting your travel plans accordingly.
Forecast Discussion
The past week has been unsettled. It started warm and wet (11/13), before snow levels progressively dropped during the second half of the week. Storm totals are anywhere from 2 to 24 inches, with higher amounts at upper elevations and in the northern part of the forecast area.
In general, any snow below 10,000 feet has fallen on bare ground, with rock and bush still poking thorugh. Above there, we started to develop a layered snowpack. A quick hand pit will likely reveal some wet snow and crust near the ground and a couple of layers of storm snow on top.
Winds switched from southwest to northeast in the last 24 hours. And, you’re likely to find a patchwork of wind-distributed snow on leeward slopes. Use caution if you see cracking in dense snow on wind-loaded terrain features. Looking at Saturday and beyond, skies are forecasted to clear and temperatures to rise. Be on the lookout for low-density snow on the surface to change. Snow stuck to rocks and cliffs could start to dribble down sunny slopes if it gets wet. Even a relatively small avalanche can have exaggerated consequences when obstacles abound.
We will continue to update this early-season advisory as the snowpack evolves, and we will begin daily forecasts as soon as conditions allow. In the meantime:
- Start your season with us at our annual Kickoff event and Snow Avalanche Workshop this Saturday.
- Use our Weather Resource page to track current conditions.
- Check out our Online Avalanche Education page for a wide variety of free online resources.
- If you head into the mountains, let us know what you see. Our Observations page is waiting for you.
As you may know, the recent Pack Fire destroyed homes in McGee Creek. Visit the Mammoth Community Foundation to help support our community.
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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