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 due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems.  Human triggered avalanches are possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slab avalanches will be possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain due to strong SW winds along with new snowfall.  Wind slab size is expected to be small in many areas that received the lower end of new snow amounts.  In places that received more snow, wind slab avalanches could be large enough to injure or bury a backcountry user. 

    Look for blowing snow, wind pillows, and cornice development.  Utilize terrain options to avoid areas of concern.   

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches will be possible on all aspects at lower elevations as warming occurs today.  Snow levels could fluctuate during the day with light rain weakening the upper snowpack.  Periods of sun in some areas could also lead to rapid warming conditions.  Mild overnight temperatures existed in many areas below 7500' with a marginal, if any overnight refreeze.  Near and above treeline areas are expected to remain cooler with cloud cover and strong SW winds.

    Monitor weather conditions in your area.  Rapid warming from intense periods of sun or rain on snow will make loose wet avalanche instabilities more likely.

Avalanche Discussion

*  Loose wet avalanches and instabilities were reported yesterday from Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) and the Emerald Bay area.  Wet snow instabilities started in the early afternoon hours.

*  At higher elevations on Slide Mountain (Mt. Rose area) small wet snow instabilities existed.  Cloud cover increased in the afternoon and helped to limit some warming.

Regions covered