Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Normal caution is advised. Long sliding falls on exposed rain crust are possible near and above treeline in wind scoured areas, especially on N-NE-E aspects.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Avalanche concerns are minimal at this time. Increasing NW to W ridgetop winds will create some areas of blowing snow today. Very limited amounts of snow are available for wind transport. Any new wind slabs that form near and above treeline today will remain small and shallow, presenting very little hazard to backcountry travelers. Continue to exercise normal caution by exposing one person at a time to avalanche terrain. The most likely significant hazard to encounter today is exposed rain crust in NE wind scoured areas near and above treeline. Travel on or above areas of exposed rain crust introduces the possibility for long sliding falls.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Waterhouse Peak (Luther Pass area) and on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) revealed no evidence of snowpack instability. In wind protected areas below treeline, a few inches of recent storm snow remained unconsolidated. Near and above treeline areas have been significantly affected by recent NE winds. Pockets of shallow, stable wind transported snow existed in lee areas while exposed rain crust existed in wind scoured areas.

Regions covered