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

Colder temperatures, strong winds, and some light snow flurries are expected throughout today.  MODERATE avalanche danger will continue due to a loose wet avalanche problem. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Overnight we had rain with a light dusting of new snow.  Temperatures have cooled with strong SW winds shifting to the NW forecasted for today.  These strong winds, cooler temperatures, and cloud cover should limit some loose wet instabilities at the higher elevations.  At mid to lower elevations, loose wet avalanche activity will remain possible as warming occurs.  Areas that received significant rain overnight with a partial to no refreeze will be wet and unsupportable this morning.  Sun breaks could also add rapid warming to the upper snowpack and lead to wet snow instabilities.  Loose wet avalanches up to size D2 are possible.

    Monitor snow surface conditions.  Wet and unsupportable surface snow will indicate a marginal overnight refreeze or that rapid warming has occurred.  Roller balls and pinwheels will be an indication that larger loose wet avalanches could occur.  Use terrain to manage slope angles to reduce loose wet avalanche hazards.    

Avalanche Discussion

*  A natural loose wet avalanche was reported from the Donner Peak area that was D2 in size.  Multiple skier triggered D1 loose wet avalanches were reported yesterday from Slide Mountain, Mt. Rose area.

*  Cloudy skies with warm conditions prevented an overnight refreeze throughout most of the forecast region yesterday.  Wet and unsupportable snow existed on most aspects and elevations.

Regions covered