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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger continues at all elevations due to a persistent slab avalanche problem.  Large destructive avalanches remain possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Persistent slab avalanches remain possible on NW-N-NE-E aspects at all elevations throughout the forecast region.  Weak old faceted snow that is now buried 2 to 4' deep or more under our recent storm snow is our layer of concern.  Large destructive avalanches remain possible.  This avalanche problem has been reactive to large loads in complex terrain.  Complex terrain could have multiple avalanche paths, a high percentage of terrain 35 to 45 degrees in steepness, large cornices overhead, with multiple terrain traps and trigger points.   

    This avalanche problem represents a low likelihood but high consequence event.  Avalanche activity associated with this persistent slab problem would be large and most likely unsurvivable.  Previous tracks on a slope are not an indication of stability.  Choosing simple terrain, terrain without rocks and cliffs that is not capable of producing a large avalanche, remains good travel advise. 

Avalanche Discussion

*  Observations from Needle Peak (Pole Creek area) showed some wind transport from the NE/E winds along with some small wind slab formation along the most exposed ridges. 

*  Observations from Carpenter Ridge (Independence Lake area), Tamarack Peak ( Mt. Rose area), and Rubicon Peak (West Shore area) showed no obvious signs of instabilities.  The facet layer was found in some areas with limited or no unstable snowpack test results.

Regions covered