Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Strong winds will keep the avalanche danger at Moderate due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Wind slab avalanches will be possible in wind exposed near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Low avalanche danger will exist in below treeline terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Ridgetop winds last night from the West were in the strong to gale force range before shifting back to the NE this morning.  These NE winds are increasing in speed and forecasted to be strong to gale force for today and tonight.  Snow available for wind transport has become more limited, but with the increasing winds, some snow transport should continue in wind prone locations.  Wind slab avalanches will continue to be possible on all aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and snow surface clues to help identify where current wind slabs may exist.  Firm rain crusts could be present where winds have scoured snow away in wind exposed terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

*  Observations from Deep Creek showed little wind effect on lower elevation near treeline snow surfaces.  Along the Sierra Crest, wind scouring was visible with many areas scoured down to shiny rain crusts from the recent NE/E winds.

*  In near treeline terrain at Munchkins (Alpine Meadows area) also showed little wind effect from the recent NE/E wind event.  West slopes had wind scouring with small cornice development on E aspects.  These small cornices were still able to fail with a ski kick.

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