Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snow surface melt could allow for small areas of loose wet instabilities to form on slopes with direct sun exposure during the afternoon hours. Areas of very firm snow surfaces exist with a potential sliding fall hazard. LOW avalanche danger exists with normal caution advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    A decent to strong snow surface refreeze is expected to have occurred last night with near to below freezing air temperatures and clear skies. Warming air temperatures and light winds this morning will allow for snow surface melt on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects as the day progresses. Anticipate firm snow surface conditions prior to the onset of melt mid to late morning. Some small areas of loose wet instabilities could form this afternoon but are not expected to present a significant hazard to backcountry travelers.

    Sliding falls on firm snow surfaces remain a concern. While conditions will gradually soften in areas of direct sun exposure, previously wind scoured NW-N-NE aspects will remain firm all day. Incorporate how to manage the hazard associated with travel on firm snow surfaces into today's travel plan. It would be easy to get into an undesirable position on steep terrain under the current conditions.

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations yesterday from travel on E-SE-S aspects in the Carson Pass and Mount Rose regions reported firm conditions in the morning that gave way to snow surface melt during the late morning and midday hours.

* NW-N-NE aspects near treeline and above treeline are heavily wind scoured and firm in many areas.

* Some areas of soft, unconsolidated surface snow exist in wind protected areas on northerly aspects.

Regions covered