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

The strong April sunshine and high sun angle are expected to contribute to snowpack instability today. As daytime warming progresses, both loose snow and slab avalanches may occur. Anticipate changing snow conditions and travel with a plan to exit avalanche terrain once snow surface warming becomes present.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

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

    Despite the cold start to this morning, wet loose avalanches are possible today in response to the strong April sunshine affecting the new snow. Expect wet snow instability to develop first near exposed rocks and trees on slopes with direct sun exposure. This avalanche problem may spread to other slopes as the day progresses. The sun angle is high enough this time of year to allow incoming solar radiation to substantially affect northerly aspects.

    The development of roller balls and pinwheels, whether natural or human triggered, indicates that wet loose avalanches are possible. Once signs of wet snow instability develop, you can move to low angle terrain to avoid this avalanche problem. Keep in mind the potential for long running wet loose avalanches on longer slopes with sustained slope angles steeper than about 35 degrees.

    (4/3/2024)

    Small wet loose avalanches initiating off of rocks and trees. Mount Rose backcountry, NV. Photo: Public

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Over the past two days, slabs of wind drifted snow have formed on the downwind side of ridges, in gullies, and on open wind exposed slopes. Lingering unstable wind slabs remain possible today. Slab avalanches could become easier to trigger as snow surface warming occurs. The largest wind slabs are expected in the areas that received the most new snow over the past 48 hours. This includes the areas around Emerald Bay, Echo Summit, Carson Pass, and Ebbetts Pass.

    Watch for clues that unstable wind slabs might exist. These include recent avalanches, cracks in the snow, blowing snow, cornices above a slope, snow drifts, and ripples in the snow surface. Use these clues to identify slopes where unstable wind slabs may exist and move around them with caution.

    (4/5/2024)

    Snow surface texture combined with wind scouring vs snow drift deposit patterns in this photo indicates the potential for unstable wind slabs in the area. Ebbetts Pass, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

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