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

A partial overnight refreeze of the snow surface is expected for this morning.  Loose wet avalanches and cornice fall will become possible as rapid warming occurs.  MODERATE avalanche danger will exist at all elevations.  The last avalanche forecast for the season will be on Sunday May 3rd.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Overnight temperatures, while still above freezing, were considerably cooler than previous nights.  These cooler temperatures along with radiational cooling from mostly clear skies should allow for a better overnight refreeze.  Rapid warming this morning with intense May sunshine will melt and break down the snow surface crust quickly providing a short window of supportable snow.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible as the snow surface becomes wet and unsupportive.  E-SE-S aspects will warm and melt the quickest this morning, followed by SW-W-NW-N-NE aspects. 

    More and more exposed obstacles are present as our snowpack continues to melt out.  Avoid avalanche terrain as the snow becomes wet and deep.  Get an early start to catch the short window of supportable snow and finish before the snow deteriorates and becomes unsupportable.

     

     

  • Glide Cracks

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Cornice fall remains possible throughout the forecast region as rapid warming occurs today.  Large cornice blocks could cause injury or cornice fall could release loose wet or wet slab avalanches as they fall and load the slopes below.

    Avoid areas and slopes below large cornices.  Stay well back from the edges of cornices along ridgelines and avoid any cracks that have developed along the backside of cornices. 

Avalanche Discussion

Spring melt freeze conditions exist on all aspects and elevations across the forecast area.

Observations from Rubicon Peak (West Shore area) showed a weak overnight refreeze.  Snow conditions were mostly soft and punchy on all aspects.  Strong SW winds were keeping the ridges cool with firm snow, below that snow became soft and wet in the mid-morning.  Usable snow coverage began at 7300', which required a walk up the summer trail to access.

Numerous glide cracks exist were the snowpack overlies steep slabs of rock. No signs of glide avalanches have been reported.

Regions covered