Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Warm temperatures and strong April sunshine will melt away crusts and create areas of deeper wet snow. Triggering wet snow avalanches will become possible as daytime warming occurs.  If the snow surface becomes wet, deep, and unsupportable, move away from avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Monitor snow surface conditions as they change throughout the day. Firm crusts this morning will soften as daytime warming occurs, exposing areas of deeper wet snow in many areas.  If the snow surface becomes deep and unsupportable, change aspects to slopes with less sun exposure or move away from steeper avalanche terrain.

    Mostly clear skies overnight have provided a superficial refreeze of the snow surface in areas with above freezing overnight temperatures due to radiational cooling. A stronger refreeze is expected in locations that had below freezing overnight temperatures. This snow surface refreeze will be location dependent with snow surface crusts melting away as daytime warming occurs. Increasing clouds and any rain this afternoon from thunderstorms could further increase wet snow instabilities. Keep in mind that even small avalanches can have increased consequences in exposed terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

March and April's record-setting heat and strong sun have caused dramatic snowmelt on all aspects and elevations throughout the forecast region. Large areas of bare ground are present on all aspects below 8,000' as well as on southerly aspects at all elevations. Northerly aspects offer better snow coverage, but obstacles like rocks, stumps, and logs have melted out on these slopes as well. Areas with available snow and minimal walking are limited to the highest trailheads in our forecast area. Anticipate conditions similar to early season, where it is very easy to hit objects under the snow surface as you travel. Long, sliding falls remain a hazard in areas with frozen snow surfaces. 

Regions covered