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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger exists throughout the forecast area.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    0

    Normal caution is advised throughout the forecast area, practice safe travel protocols.  Small loose wet avalanche activity in the form of roller balls and pinwheels may occur on southerly aspects today and on all aspects below treeline due to increased cloud cover overnight and through today.  Larger loose wet avalanches are not expected today.

    Buried near crust facets existed in isolated areas on NW-N-NE aspects underneath the Jan 24-25 storm snow.  In most areas, this layer has gained strength over the last week and has become an unlikely avalanche problem on a regional scale.  Isolated areas may still exist where this layer could be problematic, especially in the southern part of the forecast area (Luther Pass, Carson Pass, and Ebbetts Pass).

     

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations from Castle Peak (Donner Summit area), Slab Cliffs (Mt. Rose area), and Becker Peak (Echo Summit area) all showed no signs of persistent slab instability.  Minor signs of wet snow instability existed at some areas with small roller balls.

* Wet surface snow has been observed on southerly aspects up to at least 9000' by midday.  Roller balls and pinwheels have been reported throughout the forecast region on all aspects and elevations.  No large loose wet avalanches have been reported since the Jan 24-25 storm cycle.

Regions covered