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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago.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 continues throughout the forecast area at all elevations.  Isolated hard wind slabs in near treeline and above treeline terrain represent an unlikely, but not impossible avalanche problem.  Look for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Isolated hard wind slabs could exist on NW-N-NE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Last weeks NE/E wind event has scoured most slopes near treeline and above and has created very dense and strong hard wind slabs.  Where these hard wind slabs sit on top of old near surface facets, snowpack tests have shown weakness with this combination. This avalanche problem has become unlikely to occur, but concern still exists on unsupported slopes and steep complex terrain.  

    Any avalanche involving this problem could have large consequences with our low snowpack conditions.  Look for slopes with smooth, wind sculpted surfaces, and avoid areas with any type of hollow sounding snow.  

Avalanche Discussion

-Snow coverage is deepest above 8000' in the northern part of the forecast region (areas above Emerald Bay).  Minimal snow coverage exists below 8000'.  In the southern part of the forecast area, snow coverage is deepest above 8500' with varying amounts of usable snow.  Snow coverage is decreasing on southerly aspects at higher elevations. 

-Hard wind slabs with underlying loose faceted snow observed on Needle Peak Ridge (Granite Chief Wilderness), Elephants Back (Carson Pass area) and Relay Peak (Mt. Rose area) during the last week.

-Widespread firm, wind scoured snow surfaces found on most near and above treeline terrain.

Regions covered