Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Areas of MODERATE avalanche danger exist above, near, and below treeline. Poor conditions for snow surface refreeze occurred last night. Avoid travel in or below avalanche terrain in areas where the snow surface is marginally unsupportable to unsupportable wet snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Air temperatures were in the 40s for most terrain within the forecast area last night with mid to upper 30s at the highest elevations. Periods of cloud cover last night will have also contributed to less than optimal conditions for snow surface refreeze. With the combination of unusually warm overnight air temperatures and some cloud cover, snow surface refreeze last night is expected to be weak in some areas and nonexistent in other areas. Total amounts of snow surface melt will be tempered today by increasing cloud cover and wind, but the snowpack already has a significant head start this morning on becoming unsupportable wet snow.

    Areas of loose wet avalanche problems will be possible today on all aspects. Some of the highest elevation NW-N-NE aspects may or may not have better stability depending on areas of localized cloud cover last night. Avalanche size up to D2 is possible (large enough to bury or injure a person). Monitor snow surface supportability.  Avoid travel in or below avalanche terrain in areas where the snow surface is marginally unsupportable to unsupportable wet snow.

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations made yesterday morning on Andesite Peak (Donner Summit area) revealed a decent snow surface refreeze on open slopes in the 7,200' to 8,200' elevation range and significantly less snow surface refreeze under forest canopy. The snow surface had entered melt phase by 8:30 am in sun exposed areas.

* Numerous recently opened glide cracks were noted on Sunday in the Desolation Wilderness in areas where the snowpack overlies granite slabs.

Regions covered