Book A Course with SMC and they donate $25 to SCSAC use code SOCALAVY
|
Your Support Helps
|
|
Snowpack Summary February 15, 2026
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 4:54pm (this summary expires when we get substantial snow)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
The last 24 hours has delivered up to 15” of fresh snow at the 8,000’ elevations.
With Fresh snow, moderate to strong winds and significant accumulations in 24 hours we can expect to find: Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not advised at this time. - If you’re not prepared to assess the conditions and have strong rescue skills avoid steep terrain.
These problems will be likely at the upper elevations and could be large where snow previously existed. They will be possible at mid elevations with 15” at 8,000’.
Small wind slabs could be possible at lower elevations even though mid and lower elevations were devoid of snow prior to this storm. Wind slabs will be growing with plenty of transportable snow and continuing winds expect this problem to continue and increase through the day.
With another significant amount of snow forecast for later today expect the danger to increase by tomorrow.
With very little first hand information it is prudent to be observant and aware as you travel. Use hand pits, test slopes and exercise caution as you move into terrain that is holding old snow. Watch for signs of wind drifted snow, shooting cracks and collapsing. If you encounter these signs move to lower angle sheltered terrain and avoid being beneath steep slopes.
Practice avalanche safety in your travels and travel with a partner, your avalanche rescue equipment (Beacon Shovel & Probe) and the skills to use them.
We need Observations, please share any information to our Observation page if you get out into the mountains we truly need this data to help you all out.
Read the general concerns below for more information regarding changing conditions on a slim snow year.
Insufficient data is available to produce regular snowpack summaries at this time. Following are general concerns to be aware of.
Obstacles and low to no snow coverage will be the biggest hazard at this time. Low tide conditions exist in many areas at upper elevations where rocks and shrubs will be showing or just below the surface. As snow falls and accumulates small avalanches can sweep you off your feet and carry you into dire situations. Be aware of changing snow conditions and what is below you as you move through the mountains.
For our general cautions read the General Concerns Below while we wait for more snow.
General Concerns
Some things to keep in mind on a daily basis while traveling in the mountains with changing weather conditions:
Wind Slab – These will typically develop during and following storms. Be aware of the prevailing winds throughout and after a storm. Look for signs of wind transported snow – scouring, winds sculpting, drifting and pillowing into firm hollow sounding surfaces. These are all signs of potential wind slabs. Be aware of these features near and below ridgelines and along sides of gullies. Some of the most recent incidents have been due to wind slabs immediately following storms.
Storm Slabs - With significant precipitation cohesive slabs can develop and be a problem if we have poor bonding of the new snow to the old snow surfaces. Quick hand pits and small test slopes can identify this poor bonding and alert you to the potential for storm slab avalanches as the snow accumulates at moderate to rapid rates. This type of problem develops during storms. Following moderate to heavy snowfall time will be the factor that helps this type of problem diminish.
Wet Loose – This can happen in our climate very quickly following a storm cycle in our southerly latitudes. Significant warming and little to no overnight freezes after a storm will increase the chance of Wet snow instability creating spring like conditions especially on Southerly aspects. Start early and finish early while avoiding solar affected slopes. Watch for signs of wet snow as you travel and the day warms. Starting on firm snow that gives way to sinking to boot top depth is a sign of wet snow instability. Look for roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rock outcroppings and move to lower angel terrain and less solar affected aspects if you see these signs. Wet Loose avalanches will not generally bury you but can knock you off your feet and carry you through or over nasty terrain features with cataclysmic results. Be aware what is below you and rapidly changing snow conditions.
Fast Firm conditions – are possible on all aspects especially at upper elevations following below freezing overnight temperatures. These conditions will pose the risk of slide for life scenario especially following a warmer period. This hazard is the most prominent cause for rescues in our local mountains especially areas such as Mt. San Antonio. A slip and fall can result in an uncontrollable slide with potential catastrophic results. Be sure to bring proper equipment (ice axe & crampons) with the skills to use them before committing to steep firm slopes. Be aware of snow surfaces you are traveling on and changes as you move through different aspects and elevations as well as what is below you. Change terrain if these conditions develop before you find yourself in a situation you can’t retreat from.
Exercise caution if venturing out into the mountains and use avalanche protocols, travel with a partner and bring your beacon, shovel and probe.
Remember if theres enough snow to ride theres enough snow to slide
Posted by Allen Giernet @ 4:54pm (this summary expires when we get substantial snow)
This summary applies to backcountry areas only.
The Bottom Line –
The last 24 hours has delivered up to 15” of fresh snow at the 8,000’ elevations.
With Fresh snow, moderate to strong winds and significant accumulations in 24 hours we can expect to find: Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Travel in or near avalanche terrain is not advised at this time. - If you’re not prepared to assess the conditions and have strong rescue skills avoid steep terrain.
These problems will be likely at the upper elevations and could be large where snow previously existed. They will be possible at mid elevations with 15” at 8,000’.
Small wind slabs could be possible at lower elevations even though mid and lower elevations were devoid of snow prior to this storm. Wind slabs will be growing with plenty of transportable snow and continuing winds expect this problem to continue and increase through the day.
With another significant amount of snow forecast for later today expect the danger to increase by tomorrow.
With very little first hand information it is prudent to be observant and aware as you travel. Use hand pits, test slopes and exercise caution as you move into terrain that is holding old snow. Watch for signs of wind drifted snow, shooting cracks and collapsing. If you encounter these signs move to lower angle sheltered terrain and avoid being beneath steep slopes.
Practice avalanche safety in your travels and travel with a partner, your avalanche rescue equipment (Beacon Shovel & Probe) and the skills to use them.
We need Observations, please share any information to our Observation page if you get out into the mountains we truly need this data to help you all out.
Read the general concerns below for more information regarding changing conditions on a slim snow year.
Insufficient data is available to produce regular snowpack summaries at this time. Following are general concerns to be aware of.
Obstacles and low to no snow coverage will be the biggest hazard at this time. Low tide conditions exist in many areas at upper elevations where rocks and shrubs will be showing or just below the surface. As snow falls and accumulates small avalanches can sweep you off your feet and carry you into dire situations. Be aware of changing snow conditions and what is below you as you move through the mountains.
For our general cautions read the General Concerns Below while we wait for more snow.
General Concerns
Some things to keep in mind on a daily basis while traveling in the mountains with changing weather conditions:
Wind Slab – These will typically develop during and following storms. Be aware of the prevailing winds throughout and after a storm. Look for signs of wind transported snow – scouring, winds sculpting, drifting and pillowing into firm hollow sounding surfaces. These are all signs of potential wind slabs. Be aware of these features near and below ridgelines and along sides of gullies. Some of the most recent incidents have been due to wind slabs immediately following storms.
Storm Slabs - With significant precipitation cohesive slabs can develop and be a problem if we have poor bonding of the new snow to the old snow surfaces. Quick hand pits and small test slopes can identify this poor bonding and alert you to the potential for storm slab avalanches as the snow accumulates at moderate to rapid rates. This type of problem develops during storms. Following moderate to heavy snowfall time will be the factor that helps this type of problem diminish.
Wet Loose – This can happen in our climate very quickly following a storm cycle in our southerly latitudes. Significant warming and little to no overnight freezes after a storm will increase the chance of Wet snow instability creating spring like conditions especially on Southerly aspects. Start early and finish early while avoiding solar affected slopes. Watch for signs of wet snow as you travel and the day warms. Starting on firm snow that gives way to sinking to boot top depth is a sign of wet snow instability. Look for roller balls and pinwheels emanating from rock outcroppings and move to lower angel terrain and less solar affected aspects if you see these signs. Wet Loose avalanches will not generally bury you but can knock you off your feet and carry you through or over nasty terrain features with cataclysmic results. Be aware what is below you and rapidly changing snow conditions.
Fast Firm conditions – are possible on all aspects especially at upper elevations following below freezing overnight temperatures. These conditions will pose the risk of slide for life scenario especially following a warmer period. This hazard is the most prominent cause for rescues in our local mountains especially areas such as Mt. San Antonio. A slip and fall can result in an uncontrollable slide with potential catastrophic results. Be sure to bring proper equipment (ice axe & crampons) with the skills to use them before committing to steep firm slopes. Be aware of snow surfaces you are traveling on and changes as you move through different aspects and elevations as well as what is below you. Change terrain if these conditions develop before you find yourself in a situation you can’t retreat from.
Exercise caution if venturing out into the mountains and use avalanche protocols, travel with a partner and bring your beacon, shovel and probe.
Remember if theres enough snow to ride theres enough snow to slide
General discussion
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful, share with the community at our Submit Observations page.
Please share any information when you are out in the mountains. Even a photo is helpful, share with the community at our Submit Observations page.
|
General Mountain Weather Forecast |
Disclaimer:
This Bulletin is designed to generally describe conditions where local variations always occur. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and make slope specific evaluations. As always, please treat this bulletin with appropriately guarded skepticism and make your own assessments. Help to provide more information to the community by reporting your observations
This Bulletin is designed to generally describe conditions where local variations always occur. Travelers are advised to exercise caution and make slope specific evaluations. As always, please treat this bulletin with appropriately guarded skepticism and make your own assessments. Help to provide more information to the community by reporting your observations
Recent Observtions
Click on the observation to go to the full report
|
Snowpack Obs 1-25-26 San G Zone
Comment - Noticed extremely icy crust layer with facets underneath. not thick enough crust to form a slab layer. just ice related hazards. many rocks exposed for skiing. glissading conditions ideal. |
Snowpack Obs 12-27-25 Mt. Baldy West
Comment - Consistent snow began just below the ski hut. We found very firm wind scoured snow on all aspects above tree-line. No visible avalanche activity seen. Probe showed a 12” base at 9500 feet on E facing aspect at tree-line. |
Snowpack Obs 11-19-25 Mt. Pinos
Comment - I’m submitting this mostly just to try it out. There was about 4 or 5 inches of fresh snow at the summit. |
Snowpack Obs 03-15-25 San Jacinto
Comment - We skied San Jacinto Peak from the tramway. It was already near melting temps when we went up on the second (8.15am) tram, and temps kept increasing quickly. Main concerns were low-tide conditions combined with heavy but variable snowpack. Only dug a hasty pit since no major signs of instability but rapid warming. - ECTX 13 on weak graupel layer likely from previous day + wind transport. 3-4 inches from surface - ECTN 24 on weak layer from previous week's storm, about a foot down (weak layer was partially a manzanita bush so take that with a grain of salt...) The top layer on the graupel seemed to be recent wind deposits and only be present in smaller pockets. Most of this will likely change with the even hotter forecasted temps tomorrow. |
Click on the links below for the latest information
To better understand the challenges and potential variability over the large area we are producing information for please read our Snowpack Summary - Format and Limitations
General Caution
You should always use safe terrain management and carry avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry. Most avalanches are triggered by someone in the party or the victim. Practice with your rescue gear often and be prepared should the worst happen. Though we do not have an avalanche forecast center in this area as of yet, the information posted and shared here as well as the resources available on this site will help to make informed decisions for your backcountry travels. Use avalanche forecasts in your travels wherever available and be aware that avalanche ratings are general information. Elevation, location, geographic variability’s, slope aspect and angle all have effects on the particular area you travel in. This is only one piece of the information you should use in your decision making process. There is no substitute for avalanche education, for more resources and information as well as education please refer to our resources page.
You should always use safe terrain management and carry avalanche rescue equipment in the backcountry. Most avalanches are triggered by someone in the party or the victim. Practice with your rescue gear often and be prepared should the worst happen. Though we do not have an avalanche forecast center in this area as of yet, the information posted and shared here as well as the resources available on this site will help to make informed decisions for your backcountry travels. Use avalanche forecasts in your travels wherever available and be aware that avalanche ratings are general information. Elevation, location, geographic variability’s, slope aspect and angle all have effects on the particular area you travel in. This is only one piece of the information you should use in your decision making process. There is no substitute for avalanche education, for more resources and information as well as education please refer to our resources page.
