Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Sunny skies and warm temperatures will create areas of wet snow instabilities as rapid warming occurs.  Wet snow avalanches are possible today.  If the snow surface becomes deep and wet, it's time to move to areas not capable of producing avalanches. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Strong April sunshine and warm temperatures will again make for wet loose instabilities as rapid warming occurs throughout the day.  Wet loose avalanches will be possible on most all aspects and elevations today.  A good overnight refreeze of the snow surface is expected with near freezing temperatures and clear skies overnight.  Strong to gale force SW winds will prevent some snow surfaces from softening, remaining firm crusts on wind exposed aspects.  Areas that received the most recent storm snow will have the potential for larger wet loose avalanches today.

    If the snow surface becomes wet and deep it's time to move off of avalanche terrain or change aspects.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be signs that the snow surface is wet and losing strength, with larger and more consequential wet loose avalanches becoming possible. 

Avalanche Discussion

  • Many NW-N-NE-E aspects have good snow coverage. Large areas of bare ground or very limited snow cover existed on most SE-S-SW-W aspects prior to snowfall this past week.
  • Snowfall this past week has greatly favored the Sierra Crest in the northern half of the forecast area. Substantial improvements in snow cover have occurred in this portion of the forecast area.
  • Strong to gale force SW winds are not expected to cause much blowing snow today.  Limited snow available for transport exists with wind scoured areas, melt freeze and rain crusts in these windward locations.

Regions covered