Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Blowing and drifting snow is expected to form new, potentially unstable slabs today in places that are filling in with wind drifted snow. Low to mid elevation slopes with direct sun exposure and wind protection may experience small amounts of unstable wet snow. Move cautiously around areas where clues to unstable snow such as visible blowing snow, cracking, collapsing, or surface wet snow are present.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Blowing and drifting snow is expected today due to strong winds. Identify areas where visible drifting snow is depositing and filling in areas of terrain.  Signs of unstable wind slab include cracking, collapsing, or the presence of denser wind drifted snow on top of softer snow. Identify areas of wind slab and move cautiously around them.

    Ridgetop winds increased last night out of the S to SW and are exceeding forecast wind speeds this morning with gusts in the 60-80 mph range. Recent new snow on the ground is expected to drift and redistribute today, creating new wind slabs. Places where the additional load of wind drifted snow is added over the weak, faceted (sugary) Feb 10 layer could have avalanches that break wider than expected or are triggered lower on the slope than expected. Any collapses or whumpfing noises indicated that you have found a slab on top of the Feb 10 layer. The same advice applies here: Identify areas of wind slab and move cautiously around them.

    Snow surface cracking like this indicates that you have found unstable snow. Where this is the case, consider opting for slopes with a slope angle under 30 degrees until you have navigated away from the wind loaded areas of concern.

    This photo was taken earlier this year near Blue Lakes, CA.

    Photo: Jason Bilek

  • Loose Wet

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

    Keep an eye out for clues to developing unstable wet snow. If the snow surface begins to feel wet or you start to see roller balls or pinwheels, it's time to move off slopes steep enough for wet, loose snow to slide down. Moving to places with colder snow or recreating on less steep slopes can help reduce your exposure to wet loose avalanches. 

    Strong winds are expected to minimize the amount of snow surface melt in wind exposed areas today. Wind protected areas at mid slope and below can expect another round of snow surface melt. Expect the slopes that receive the most direct sun exposure and wind protection to experience the most warming. Consider the consequences of down slope hazards such as rocks, trees, cliffs, and terrain traps, and what would happen if you were pushed into or over them by a small avalanche.

    (2/13/2026)

    Small wet loose avalanches on a sunny east-facing slope.

    Mt. Rose backcountry, NV. 

Avalanche Discussion

Weak snow (near-surface facets) formed on many NW-N-NE aspects during the recent, extended dry spell. This weak layer was buried by new snow on Feb 10. Most areas have a thin rain crust along the top of the facet layer up to 8,600 to 8,800 ft. Snowpit observations and tests indicate that this layer remains weak going into the approaching storm cycle. Weak layers similar to this Feb 10 facet layer have contributed to large avalanches in the past.

Lower elevation areas and sun-exposed slopes experienced significant snowmelt over the past 3 weeks, exposing areas of dirt, rock, and downed trees.  These hazards and obstacles now lie hidden, barely covered by a few inches of new snow from last week.  Additionally, deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water are widespread in low-lying areas, especially below 8,000'. 

Regions covered