So Cal Snow Avalanche Center

Mt. Jepson from just over a week ago.

Things are still tasty out there for those that are willing to make the effort. Visit the avalanche center website for spring time general concerns to be aware of.

Also check the Obs page for the latest observations and be sure to share yours if you get out.

An April storm is blowing through today with cold temps and some fresh snow. Be sure to adjust your mindset to the potential change in conditions.

📷 Mt Jepson

Snowpack Summary - Spring, 2026    
      Posted by Allen Giernet @ 10:30am
            This summary applies to backcountry areas only.

The Bottom Line – 
  A huge thank you to everyone that supported the avalanche center this season and for all of those that submitted observations. These observations are vital to our operations and the backcountry community at large.
 
Please continue to share your observations when you get out to the areas still holding snow. Link in profile.

It was an interesting season and there is still snow to be had at our upper elevations, for those that are determined to get it. Visit the website to see our general spring statement and visit the Observations page for recent submissions. Most recent obs just posted from San G (photo above)

  Interesting is an understatement as our total snowfall in the San Gabriels recorder at 8,000’ was 61” with greater amounts in the San Bernardino and at higher elevations in both ranges.

This Thursday 3-26 @ 6pm - Local Eastern Sierra forecaster Sue Burak will present a brief history of active avalanche paths that impact roads and residences in Mono and Inyo county. The presentation will be free and held at the White Mountain Research Center. 3000 Line St. Bishop, CA 93514

On the move Obs including hasty pits demonstrates special variability in the snow pack in our level 1 course. 2nd pic students getting ready to practice downhill travel techniques.

course with working on downhill travel
Techniques in the Mammoth Backcountry.

There’s spots open this weekend and next weekend March 14/15 & March 21/22 contact and join director of for a great weekend of learning while being in the mountains with fantastic conditions. LIP or DM us and we’ll help
You get hooked up. Also spots available on our rescue course 3-16-26

Snowpack Summary February 27, 2026
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 9:45pm (this summary applies to the weekend)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.

The Bottom Line –
Prolonged warming with no overnight freezing makes wet loose avalanches our main concern. Wet loose avalanches will be possible at all elevations and on all aspects as the day warms each day. Look for signs of wet snow instability such as pinwheels and roller balls and boots sinking to boot top depth. If you see these signs move to shadier lower angle slopes to avoid being caught. Full summary can be found on the website. Photo large Wet Loose Mt baldy area report on website. LIP share your observations if you get out.

Thanks everyone for sharing you observations recently 🙏

Transition is the word. Recent observations support the fact the snowpack is changing quickly. Rapid warming and more warming ahead should have wet loose avalanches on your mind.
Fast firm conditions in the morning will present the risk of un arrest-able slides. Firm surfaces will give way to wet loose instability as the day warms and ass each day gets hotter.

Visit the avalanche center to review the o derivations or to share your

Thanks everyone for sharing you observations recently 🙏

Transition is the word. Recent observations support the fact the snowpack is changing quickly. Rapid warming and more warming ahead should have wet loose avalanches on your mind.
Fast firm conditions in the morning will present the risk of un arrest-able slides. Firm surfaces will give way to wet loose instability as the day warms and ass each day gets hotter.

Visit the avalanche center to review the o derivations or to share your

Mount Islip from Crystal Lake Sat Feb 21. Thanks for all the information you are sharing. Keep sending us your observations.

A huge thank you to those that are sharing information with the community!

Tomorrow things will change significantly with a big uptick in temps. Wet Loose should be on your radar and those wind slabs may become less bonded with sun and warm temps and could become wet slabs.

With warmer day time temps and overnight refreezing expect icy firm surfaces and slide for life conditions to develop this coming week in the mornings. Be sure to bring your sharp tools as the snow surface transitions and this DOES NOT MEAN MICRO SPIKES for any terrain >30°.

Observations from yesterday:

Observer: Stephanie Robertson
Date/Time: 2/21/26, 0930
Location: Angelus Oaks, South of San Bernardino Peak Trail
Elevation: 5820’

Stability Tests and Observations:

Boot/snowshoe test: No failures produced.

Hand pit: Additional weak layer after last storm easily pulled off in a 10 cm cohesive block.

Hand hardness profile: Multiple soft layers sandwiched between harder layers, significant weak layer near top after last storm.

Compression test (CT): CT8M @ 15cm (4F slab). Complete failure of this slab CT4H

- San Gabriels observation west of Waterman - 2-21-26
Road conditions to area
Clear to the 6000’ gate, occasional ice patches in the early am

Nice day up in the snow play area, Several parties getting after it towards Waterman on AT gear. Appears recent storms deposited about 40 cm on top of existing coarse ice granules from December storm? 4 finger hard all the way down with 2 cm harder crust on top, will not form stable snowball.

Please share if your out in the mountains to our observation page - LIP