Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds will continue today with the potential for blowing snow.  Small slabs of wind drifted snow could form in isolated areas throughout the forecast region.  Avalanche danger remains LOW today with avalanches unlikely.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Northeast winds will continue today in the strong to gale force range.  Expect to see blowing snow and more wind scouring in exposed terrain.  Available snow for wind transport is becoming more limited as these multi-day wind events continue.  Small wind slabs could form below ridges, in gully features, and in downwind open areas.  Any wind slab development today is expected to remain small in size.

    Look for blowing snow, snow surface clues, and areas where wind blown snow could be accumulating.  Consequences from these small wind slabs would be from downhill exposure to rocks, cliffs, trees, and other obstacles.  Snow surface cracking would indicate wind slab instability in the immediate area.    

     

    (1/10/2025)

    The mix of exposed rain crust (ice) and shallow wind slab that exists in many locations across the forecast area. This terrain is located between Carson Pass and Ebbetts Pass, CA.

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

The recent strong to gale force winds scoured away snow from near and above treeline areas on a variety of aspects. This left behind a mix of wind-sculpted features and firm ice. If your travel plans take you into alpine terrain near exposed ridges, gullies, and open areas, expect to find variable snow surface conditions. Traveling in wind protected areas such as heavily forested slopes below treeline can help reduce exposure to today's avalanche problem. Softer, more consistent snow surface conditions linger on shaded slopes in wind protected areas.

Regions covered