Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Some soft wet snow may form on wind-protected slopes today, but significant loose wet instabilities are unlikely due to increased cloud cover and wind. Widespread firm snow surfaces mean long sliding falls or collisions with exposed obstacles pose a greater threat to backcountry travelers than avalanche activity today. The avalanche danger will remain LOW. 

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    A weaker refreeze may have occurred last night due to warmer overnight temperatures and cloud cover. Despite this weaker refreeze, increased cloud cover and wind today should limit the amount of wet surface snow that forms. In some places, especially lower elevation wind-protected E-SE-S-SW-W aspects, enough warming may occur for the snow surface to soften by midday. However, many of the more exposed and upper elevation slopes may remain mostly firm today. Sizable loose wet instabilities are unlikely. 

    Even though the avalanche danger is low, other hazards like long sliding falls on firm snow surfaces exist in the backcountry. Talk with your group and make a plan that addresses the variable and challenging snow conditions by using appropriate terrain selection and timing. If you encounter conditions don't match your group's equipment and abilities, be flexible and move to a different slope or even a different activity. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Spring-like melt-freeze conditions exist on sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects.

* NW-N-NE aspects hold variable conditions with mostly firm surfaces on near and above treeline slopes and breakable crust with isolated pockets of softer snow on wind-protected below treeline slopes.

* No reports of new loose wet avalanches have been received this week.

Regions covered