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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanches continue to be unlikely throughout the forecast area, LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations.  Normal caution is advised when traveling in the backcountry.  A more active weather pattern is forecasted to start late tonight with increasing chances of snow into the weekend. 

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Avalanches remain unlikely throughout the forecast region.  Winds will increase today ahead of a weak storm that is forecasted to bring 2-3'' of new snow along the Sierra Crest late tonight into Wednesday morning.  With limited to no snow available for wind transport today, strong SW winds this afternoon and evening are expected to move only limited amounts of existing snow.  A variety of crusts, firm surfaces, windblown snow, and some spring snow exist out in the backcountry. 

    Warm temperatures and full sunshine should allow the snow surface to soften on southerly aspects today and provide soft spring snow conditions.  Increasing strong SW winds this afternoon could limit some of the snow surface warming at the higher elevations and wind exposed terrain.  Loose wet avalanche activity is expected to be small and in the form of roller balls and pinwheels.  Terrain traps such as steep creek beds, cliffs, rocks, and trees could increase the consequences of even a small amount of sliding snow.

    Normal caution is advised.  Carry avalanche rescue equipment: transceiver, probe, and shovel.  Focus on safe travel techniques.  Continue to look for unstable snow and potential hazards.  Have open communication within your group.  Regroup in safe areas out of avalanche paths.  And debrief the day with your group. 

Avalanche Discussion

Soft spring snow was found on Rose Knob ( Mt. Rose area) yesterday in the late morning hours.  Supportive snow conditions were found above 8000' with some deeper and softer snow at the lower elevations.  Variable crusts existed on shaded northerly aspects.

On Castle Peak ( Donner Summit area) windblown snow on crust conditions were present on northerly aspects.  Large faceted grains were found underneath the Jan 4 rain crust in some areas.  Southerly aspects provided supportable spring snow into the early afternoon.

Surface hoar has been reported in some areas over the last few days.  This will be important today as any existing surface hoar could be buried tonight with a few inches of new snow.  Let us know if you see any surface hoar in your area today!

Regions covered