Central Sierra Nevada

Problemas de aludes

• 

  Wind Slabs

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1

  Small unstable wind slabs have been present the past two days near treeline and above treeline from new snow and SW winds. A strong NE wind event occurred last night with plenty of snow available for drifting. Winds are back to SW today and increasing in speed so expect more drifting. At this point, slabs of wind drifted snow could be encountered on any aspect in near treeline to above treeline terrain. Expect a mix of scoured slopes and drift deposited wind slabs in adjacent areas. Avalanche size D1 is expected with size D2 possible in the most heavily wind drifted areas.

  Today will be all about identifying where wind slabs are present and moving cautiously around them. Identify wind slabs by looking for blowing and drifting snow, recent cornice and wind pillow formations, and areas of smooth looking slope. Snow surface cracking today is a sign of an unstable wind slab.

      Photos: D1 wind slabs from the past two days above treeline and near treeline.

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

  • Alta montaña
  • Límite del bosque
  • Bajo el límite del bosque

  Probabilidad

  Unlikely

  Tamaño

  1

  Warming conditions today may allow for some minor loose wet snow instability in sun exposed areas, mainly on SE-S-SW aspects. Conditions along the northern portion of the Sierra Crest are most conducive to this instability today where a couple of inches or more of recent new snow exists.

  Exercise caution on or below steep slopes where roller balls and/or more than a couple of inches of wet surface snow are present. Expect increased snow surface warming near exposed rocks and in wind protected areas.