Reno, NV – The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center has issued an Avalanche Watch for the Eastern Sierra Slopes from Virginia Lakes to Bishop Creek, according to the National Weather Service Las Vegas.
The watch is in effect from 7 a.m. Sunday through 7 a.m. Monday. Officials warn that heavy snowfall combined with strong winds may create widespread unstable snow conditions. Avalanche danger is expected to rise to HIGH by Monday afternoon and remain elevated through mid-week.
Impacted areas include terrain near US-395, State Route 158 near June Lake, and backcountry zones accessible from US-50 west of South Lake Tahoe. Mountain passes and recreation corridors could experience rapidly changing snowpack conditions.
According to the Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center, wind-loaded slopes and areas with recent heavy accumulation pose the greatest concern. Backcountry travel is strongly discouraged during periods of high avalanche danger.
Avalanche watches are issued when conditions are favorable for natural or human-triggered avalanches. A High rating indicates very dangerous avalanche conditions, where natural avalanches are likely and travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.
The alert may affect skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers, and backcountry hikers planning travel in Mono and Inyo counties. College students and young outdoor workers heading into the mountains should monitor updates closely.
Officials advise checking avalanche forecasts before traveling and avoiding steep slopes and wind-loaded terrain.
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