Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Loose wet avalanches will become possible at all elevations today.  Avalanche danger will rise to MODERATE as daytime warming occurs.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches will be possible today as daytime warming occurs.  Another warm day is forecasted with above freezing overnight temperatures at the upper elevations due to temperature inversions.  Sunny terrain will warm quickly this morning and become wet by late morning.  Slopes with recent storm snow will be the most likely areas to produce loose wet instabilities today.

    Early to mid-morning will continue to be the best time for travel on sunny slopes.  Small roller balls and pinwheels will be indicators that the snow is wet and losing strength.  Snow conditions will deteriorate along with increasing chances for loose wet avalanches into the mid-day and afternoon hours.   

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made on Incline Lake Peak in the Mt. Rose area yesterday.  Northerly aspects are a mixed bag of wind scoured snow, wet and heavy snow, along with some pockets of unconsolidated snow in wind protected below treeline areas.  Southerly aspects are transitioning back to spring conditions.  Slopes that have been wind scoured back down to firm crusts are transitioning the fastest back to corn snow conditions.

 

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