Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger are expected today. Wet loose avalanche activity is possible at all elevations. Some small new wind slabs likely formed above treeline last night due to a shift to E winds. Identify areas of concern and communicate a terrain management plan with travel partners.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As air temperatures warm even further today, the gradual onset of wet loose instability over the last couple of days is expected to become more widespread. Roller ball activity occurring as snowfalls off of rocks and trees in expected on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects today. Small to medium sized natural and human triggered wet loose avalanches are possible in these areas of direct sun exposure.

    Avoid travel on or below slopes 35 degrees and steeper where roller ball activity is occurring.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind speeds following the wind shift from SW to E yesterday evening have been strong enough to cause areas of blowing snow. This will have allowed for some small new wind slabs to form above treeline on S-SW-W-NW-N aspects.

    Look for clues indicating the most recent drifting snow such as snow surface patterning (sastrugi) and newly formed wind pillows. Avoid suspect areas on slopes 35 degrees and steeper.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday in Negro Canyon (Donner Summit area) and on Ebbetts Pass revealed little in the way of signs of ongoing slab instability. Recent wind slab avalanche activity had occurred in the Ebbetts Pass area, but snowpit tests in both locations showed no signs of ongoing wind slab instability. Cornice drops, ski cuts, and snowmobile cuts on test slopes also failed to reveal any signs of instability. Areas of direct sun exposure have become increasingly dense and crusted in many areas.

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