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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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist due to wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems.  Human triggered avalanches remain possible at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Large existing wind slabs and cornices, that may still be sensitive to human triggering, exist on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Yesterday afternoon, winds shifted to the NE and have been consistent in the moderate range overnight.  These NE winds are forecasted to continue and will easily transport our recent low density storm snow.  New and reactive wind slabs will be possible on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects in near and above treeline areas.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface clues as to where wind slabs are located or are forming.  Large cornices exist around the forecast region and should be given a wide margin of safety.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    The recent storm snow continues to gain strength over time with limited signs of instabilities in many areas.  In other locations, avalanche activity and signs of instabilities have been reported.  Continued cold temperatures along with a variety of layers in the recent storm snow will take additional time to settle and gain strength.  Human triggered storm slab avalanches remain possible in wind protected near and below treeline areas.

    Look for cracking and/or any signs of cohesion in the recent storm snow.  In areas where storm slabs do not exist, loose dry sluffing may be encountered on steep slopes.  Some of these loose dry avalanches could be large enough to take a backcountry user for a ride into potential hazards.   

Avalanche Discussion

*  A storm slab avalanche was reported on Trestle Peak, in the Donner Summit area, that looked to occur sometime late Saturday night/early Sunday.  Other signs of storm slab instabilities existed yesterday with cracking around skis in below treeline terrain.

*  Shooting cracks reported on Jakes Peak (West Shore area) in below treeline terrain along the skin track.  Also reports of shooting cracks while down skiing.

*  Observations from Andesite Peak and Johnson Canyon (Donner Summit area) and Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose area) all showed a right side up snowpack with little signs of instabilities observed.

Regions covered