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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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger this morning will transition to MODERATE avalanche danger as daytime warming occurs.  A loose wet avalanche problem will be possible at all elevations today. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A loose wet avalanche problem will develop today as daytime warming occurs.  Most of this loose wet activity is expected on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects but could also develop on NW-N-NE aspects.  Increasing cloud cover along with moderate E winds could delay snow surface warming during the morning hours.  With some overnight cloud cover and above freezing air temperatures, many areas may have received little to no snow surface refreeze.  Any light rain that falls this afternoon would further soften and weaken the snow surface. 

    Wet surface snow on top of unsupportable soft snow may mean that your area didn't refreeze last night or sufficient warming has occurred for loose wet avalanche activity to become possible.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be indicators that the snow surface has lost strength and that larger loose wet avalanches could occur. 

Avalanche Discussion

*  Continued reports come in with loose wet avalanches from around the forecast area.  Yesterday, a skier triggered size D2 loose wet avalanche was reported from Slide Mountain (Mt. Rose area) that ran 1200' with several feet of debris in the runout zone.

*  Transitional spring type snow exists on many E-SE-S-SW-W aspects and elevations.  Melt freeze crusts in these areas range from 1 to 4'' in thickness with cold snow existing below these crusts in many areas.  Corn snow has not fully transitioned at this point.

*  NW-N-NE aspects hold a mixed bag of snow surface conditions depending on elevation from cold unconsolidated snow, wind scoured, breakable crusts, and wet snow.  These aspects at higher elevations have not been affected by snow surface melt at this point.

   

Regions covered