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

  1–2

  Strong winds in excess of 100 mph and snowfall have occurred over the past 24 hours. Rising snow levels have deposited increasingly denser snow on top of less dense snow. This has created a slab over weak layer that is most pronounced in areas where wind drifted snow has deposited. This avalanche problem exists mainly above treeline and near treeline, but may extend below treeline in isolated areas due to the strength of the winds.

  There are many clues you can use to help identify the most likely locations where wind-drifted snow has deposited into potentially unstable slabs. Clues such as blowing snow, cornices above a slope, tiny ripples in the snow surface, and scoured areas on the upwind side of a ridge all paint a picture of where to find the specific slopes of concern. Recent slab avalanche activity and cracking in wind-blown snow represent clear signs that the wind slab problem is present.

  Once you identify where wind slabs may exist, you can move carefully around these areas. Expect to encounter the greatest hazard near ridgetops, in gullies, and on open slopes where wind-drifted snow has deposited.

  

• 

  Loose Wet

  N

  NE

  E

  SE

  S

  SW

  W

  NW

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

  Probabilidad

  Possible

  Tamaño

  1–2

  Rain on new snow is expected to have triggered some wet loose avalanches last night while snow levels were rising. It remains possible that backcountry travelers could trigger some additional wet loose avalanches today in steep areas where rain on snow has occurred.

  Recent wet loose avalanches, roller balls, and pinwheels are all indications that point to the presence of this avalanche problem. Move cautiously around steep slopes in areas where these signs of wet snow instability exist.