Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Sunny skies and much warmer temperatures today will form unstable wet snow on sun exposed slopes as daytime warming occurs.  Slabs of wind blown snow that have formed over the last few days could be triggered by backcountry users.  Look for where unstable snow may exist and move around these areas of concern with caution.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Gale force northeast winds were intense yesterday transporting large amounts of snow throughout the day.  These strong winds scoured previously formed wind slabs and cornices that formed during the storm on Thursday from southwest winds.  Dense wind slabs have formed in many near and above treeline areas on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects and will exist below ridges, near cornice features, and in open areas.  On sun exposed slopes that receive rapid warming today, wind slabs in these areas may be especially easy to trigger.

    Wind slabs that formed during the storm on Thursday from strong southwest winds may still be a concern in isolated areas.  These wind slabs have been reported failing on a graupel layer or near a crust and have been experiencing a slower bonding process.  These wind slabs would be most likely on slopes that have some northeast wind protection or potentially midslope where less scouring from yesterday's NE winds have occurred.

    Look for snow surface clues, wind scouring, and cornice development as to where recent wind slabs may exist.  Snow surface cracking or dense snow over less dense snow could indicate unstable wind slab conditions.  Identify areas of concern such as steep wind loaded slopes or areas below cornice features. Move around these areas with caution.    

    (3/7/2025)

    Skier triggered wind slab avalanche releasing midslope, North aspect.

    Castle Peak, Donner Summit area.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Wet snow instabilities were limited yesterday with lingering cloud cover, gale force winds, and cold temperatures.  That will change today with much warmer temperatures, decreasing winds, and intense March sunshine.  Wet snow will form on sun exposed slopes with the snow surface changing quickly this morning.  E-SE-S-SW-W aspects in near and above treeline areas have a significant amount of wind transported snow from the northeast winds yesterday.  As this new snow warms quickly today, wet loose avalanches will become possible.  In some areas, wet loose avalanches could be large in size involving all of the recent storm snow.  

    Roller balls and pinwheels will be indications that the snow surface is losing strength and larger wet loose avalanches could occur.  If the snow surface becomes deep and wet, it's time to change aspects or move away from avalanche terrain.

Regions covered