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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations. Normal caution is advised. The existing shallow snowcover is supportable. Buried obstacles are avoidable for the most part, but still easy to hit.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Field data collection over the past few days is indicating that significant, bonding, settlement, and stabilization have occurred within the snowpack since new snow loading and instability occurred Nov 18-20. The current period of SW ridgetop winds has been insufficient to move and drift appreciable amounts of snow on the ground or create a wind slab avalanche problem. Avalanche activity is unlikely at this time. Normal caution is advised as a tactic to minimize the consequences of the unlikely, unexpected avalanche event.

Avalanche Discussion

The best snow coverage of 1 to 2 feet exists above 7,300' to 7,800’ along the Sierra Crest and above 8,600’ in the Mt. Rose area. The previously problematic Nov 13 facet layer in the lower snowpack appears to have undergone substantial rounding, bonding, and stabilization over the past five days. Weak snow in the existing snowpack is now mostly at or near the surface. This does not present avalanche problems today but is being monitored for future weak layer development once more substantial snowfall buries this weaker snow. Trace amounts of new snow last night and today are probably insufficient to bury and preserve any of the surface hoar that has been widespread in many areas, but it is worth looking at. The current cycle of ridgetop winds from the SW has not been strong enough to drift and deposit enough snow to create any new wind slab concerns.

Regions covered