Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago.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

Highlights

Very warm temperatures and strong sunshine will form unstable wet snow as daytime warming occurs.  Wet loose avalanches will become possible on steep slopes as the surface crust melts away.  Move away from avalanche terrain as the snow becomes deep and unsupportable.

This is the last avalanche forecast for the 2023-2024 season. Thank you to all who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, and/or financial contributions.  The observation platform will remain active for people to share snow, weather, and avalanche observations with the community. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Overnight temperatures were well above freezing at most all sensors above 7000’, making any snow surface refreeze reliant on radiational cooling of the snowpack.  Overnight clear skies should help provide a decent refreeze of the snow surface for this morning.  This melt freeze crust will quickly melt with the very warm temperatures and strong late April sunshine.  Once this crust melts away and deeper wet snow is exposed, wet snow avalanches could occur.

    Snow surface conditions may change quickly today from supportable and firm to deep and mushy.  Roller balls, pinwheels, and boot top wet snow will all be indicators that the snow surface refreeze has melted away and wet loose avalanches are becoming possible.  As the snow surface becomes deep and unsupportable, it’s time to move away from avalanche terrain to less committing slopes.  Large cornices remain along ridgelines in some areas.  These cornices will continue to melt, weaken, and potentially collapse.

    (4/20/2024)

    Overnight refreeze of the top 4 inches of the snowpack at P- hardness. Open E aspect slope at 8,000' at 0940h. Andesite Peak, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Regions covered