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 today due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems.  Wind slabs will be possible in near and above treeline terrain.  Loose wet avalanches will become possible at all elevations as daytime warming occurs.  Heightened avalanche conditions exist on specific terrain features, identify areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong to gale force NE winds will continue through this morning before decreasing in the afternoon.  Wind slabs will be possible on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects in near and above treeline terrain.

    Look for recent wind slab avalanche activity, blowing snow, new cornice formation, wind pillows, and snow surface scouring as to where wind slabs may exist.  Complex terrain and/or steep gully features may be cross loaded.  Identify and avoid steep wind loaded terrain.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As rapid warming occurs today with sunny skies, loose wet avalanches will become possible on all aspects and elevations.  Many of the loose wet instabilities will be focused on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.  As the NE winds decrease this afternoon along with increasing daytime temperatures, wet instabilities will also become possible on NW-N-NE aspects at all elevations.  Most wet instabilities will be in the form of roller balls and pinwheels.  Larger loose wet avalanches are possible with some of these being large enough to injure or bury a backcountry user-size D2.

    Roller ball activity will be an indication that the slope has wet surface snow and is loosing strength.  Steep terrain with wet surface snow should be avoided. 

       

Avalanche Discussion

* On Hidden Peak (West Shore area) a small wind slab avalanche was intentionally skier triggered on a SE aspect in near treeline terrain.  NE winds were scouring snow surfaces and blowing snow in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Dense wind slabs measured up to 16'' in depth.  No instabilities were found in below treeline terrain.

* Observations from Trimmer Peak (Luther Pass area) showed no instabilities on northerly aspects through the mid day.  NE winds remained light for most of the day with minor evidence of previous wind scouring at the higher elevations.

* Numerous crowns from deep slab avalanche activity occurring during the March 20 - 22 storm cycle exist on N-NE-E aspects both above and below treeline in the 7,000' to 10,000' elevation range. No reports of post storm deep slab avalanches have been received.  Check out the observation page for more details and photos. 

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