Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 3 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Slabs of wind blown snow that formed during our last storm may still be able to be triggered today in wind exposed open areas.  Warmer temperatures with some periods of sun could create wet snow instabilities on sun exposed slopes.  Move around areas where signs of unstable snow exists.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    In near and above treeline areas, dense wind slabs have formed during yesterday’s storm cycle.  These wind slabs still exist in wind exposed open areas, near ridges, and in gully features.  While these wind slabs are showing signs of gaining strength, they still may be reactive today in some areas.  Large cornices have built out along ridgelines and could remain fragile.

    Look for cornices above slopes, wind pillows, and any cracking or signs of wind slab formation when moving into near and above treeline areas.  Move carefully around  these areas of concern.  Better snow quality will exist in more wind protected terrain away from the denser wind textured snow.

    (2/15/2024)

    Natural cornice collapse and wind slab avalanche near Frog Lake Cliffs, Donner Summit area.

  • Loose Wet

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

    Above freezing temperatures, lighter winds, and some periods of strong sunshine could make wet loose avalanches a concern for today.  These avalanches could become possible as daytime warming occurs on E-SW-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations.  If we see more sunshine than expected today, this avalanche problem could increase in size and distribution.  Most of these wet snow instabilities are expected to be on the smaller size, but larger avalanches could occur and involve more of the recent storm snow. 

    Roller balls and pinwheels will be indicators that the surface snow is losing strength and that larger wet loose avalanches could become possible.  As warming occurs today and the snow surface becomes wet, it's time to move away from avalanche terrain or change aspects.     

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