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Out of date — this forecast expired 10 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations. Minor wet loose avalanche activity could occur again today in response to daytime warming. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    As daytime warming progresses and surface crusts melt away, wet loose avalanches could occur again today in sun exposed areas. The vast majority of wet loose instability is expected to occur on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects on slopes 37 degrees and steeper. Expected size for most avalanche activity is small. In isolated areas wet loose avalanche size sufficient to bury a person could occur, especially if a terrain trap is involved. Human triggered roller balls and pinwheels reaching 1 foot or more in diameter will give indication of slopes to avoid. Areas around exposed rock features will heat up more quickly than open snow covered slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday in Poison Canyon (near Bear Valley) and on Andesite Ridge (Donner Summit area) did not reveal any signs of ongoing instability. Minor amounts of snow surface melt were noted in both areas. As of 3 pm no wet loose avalanches were seen on Castle or Andesite Peaks. A wet loose avalanche was reported to have occured on Mount Rose proper (the peak, not the ski area) on a S aspect during the mid afternoon hours.

Regions covered