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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Highlights

Snow surface melt in areas of direct sun exposure will create a loose wet avalanche problem as the day progresses. MODERATE avalanche danger will develop today at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Snow surface melt as the day progresses will create a loose wet avalanche problem at all elevations mainly on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects. Avalanche size is expected mainly at D1 with an isolated D2 not impossible. When more than a couple of inches of surface wet snow is present, anticipate loose wet avalanches. Avoidance of this avalanche problem can be accomplished by the use of timing travel prior to excessive snow surface melt, utilizing lower angle slopes without steeper slopes above, and/or selecting aspects without direct sun exposure when necessary.

    A good snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night due to radiational cooling under clear skies despite above freezing air temperatures at the upper elevations. However, these above freezing air temperatures at sunrise will accelerate snow surface melt over the upper elevations today so factor that into your travel plans. While loose wet avalanches today are expected to be fairly small, consequences can be greatly increased by downslope hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps. Factor that into your travel plans as well.

Avalanche Discussion

* Spring like snow surface conditions were observed yesterday on the south side of Slide Mtn (Mount Rose area). Breakable crusts were widespread in shaded areas. Snow surface melt was observed in areas of direct sun exposure. Some areas of transitional wet snow over drier snow yet to have undergone a melt cycle remained, but likely became increasingly assimilated with the melt-freeze surface snow by the end of the day.

* Northerly aspects remain more variable with a patchy mix of wind drifted snow and crust near or at the snow surface. Faceted snow has been noted below these near surface to surface crusts in a variety of locations on northerly aspects. This weak snow is without a problematic overlying slab for the time being.

* Little to no snow is available for wind drifting in ridgetop areas.

Regions covered