Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Strong sunshine and warming temperatures will allow for wet snow to form through the day.  Wet snow avalanches will become possible as daytime warming occurs.  Use caution if traveling on steep sun exposed slopes.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Strong solar radiation, warming temperatures, and decreasing winds will create wet snow on sun exposed slopes today.  The majority of the wet snow instabilities expected today will occur with the recent storm snow we received on Tuesday.  Most wet loose activity is expected to be small, but areas that received the higher end storm totals will have potential for larger loose wet avalanches that entrain more snow.  Roller balls and pinwheels should start early in sunny wind protected terrain and areas that warm up quickly around rocks and gully features.  If the NE winds remain strong and do not decrease in speed as expected, snow surface melt could be delayed or not occur in wind exposed areas.  

    As the snow surface starts to warm and loose strength, roller balls and pinwheels could form.  These will be indications that larger wet loose avalanches could start to occur.  Use good timing and manage aspects to avoid slopes where rapid warming and large amounts of wet snow exist.  Even small loose wet avalanches could have increased consequences if they occur above terrain traps or in complex terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Snowmelt has sped up over the last two weeks exposing more obstacles (rocks, bushes, etc) and areas of bare ground on SE-S-SW aspects.
  • Under the recent storm snow, highly variable old snow surfaces exist including smooth firm surfaces, rough uneven surfaces, soft weak snow, melt-freeze crusts, and everything in between. 
  • Gradual near-surface faceting has created weak snow in the top portion of the snowpack on many wind-protected and semi-wind protected NW-N-NE aspects. The recent storm snow buried this weak layer but should not add enough load to break it in non-wind-loaded areas. 

Regions covered