Central Sierra Nevada

Lawinenprobleme

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  1

  A better refreeze of the snow surface overnight with temperatures at or below freezing at most locations above 8000'.  Partly sunny skies this morning with warming temperatures will melt the snow surface and break down existing melt freeze crusts.  Scattered showers or thunderstorms could increase this loose wet avalanche problem.  Rain could dissolve existing bonds within the upper snowpack accelerating the melt process.  Avalanche activity and size will be dependent on how much warming is received and potential rain at your specific location.   

  This is a good day to get an early start with a potential shorter window for recreating in the mountains.  Thunderstorms with possible lightning could be a concern as the day progresses.  Avoid steep terrain and deep wet snow where the surface crust is no longer supportable. 

• 

  Persistent Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Hochgebirge
  • Waldgrenze
  • Unterhalb der Waldgrenze

  Wahrscheinlichkeit

  Possible

  Größe

  2

  Wet slab avalanches failing on the March 24 buried surface hoar layer continue to remain a concern.  The buried surface hoar layer, down 1 to 2 feet deep, has showed improved strength over the last couple days at multiple locations.  Wet slab avalanches are notoriously difficult to forecast with a high degree of uncertainty as to the likelihood of occurrence.

  Timing and terrain choices can help limit exposure to these wet slab avalanches.  Avoid deep wet snow and steep terrain later in the day as the snowpack loses supportability.