Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

A powerful storm is moving through the forecast area today with high intensity snowfall and gale force winds. Natural avalanches are very likely today above and below treeline. Travel in, near, or below backcountry avalanche terrain is not recommended.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1.5–2

    Gale force SW winds will drift and rapidly deposit new snow along the downwind side of ridgetops today, into gully features and, to a lesser extent, into below treeline areas. Naturally occurring wind slab avalanches are very likely today. Avalanches starting from steeper terrain above treeline may run down into treed areas below.

    If traveling in non-avalanche terrain today, make certain that you avoid exposure to steeper connected terrain above you, especially if poor visibility does not allow you to see it. Avoid traveling through avalanche run out zones.

    (2/18/2024)

    A shallow, unintentially skier triggered avalanche occurred yesterday above treeline in a wind loaded area on E aspect terrain. Relay Peak , NV. Photo: Public

    Expect that avalanches will be quite a bit larger today.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    High intensity snowfall at 2 inches per hour and potentially as high as 4 inches per hour are expected to create areas of unstable storm slabs today in wind protected areas near treeline and below treeline. If storm slabs are not present, expect potentially large dry loose avalanches in their place.

    The vast majority of snowfall is expected above 7,000' today. Expect new snow depths and instability to increase as you gain elevation. Keep in mind that travel on or below slopes steeper than 30 degrees in slope angle is not recommended today.

Avalanche Discussion

Lingering concern exists for a size D3 deep persistent slab avalanche to occur during or immediately after this storm cycle somewhere on the eastern side of the forecast area in NW-N-NE aspect terrain above about 8,500'. Some slopes still hold weak snow in the bottom two to three feet of the snowpack that could become overloaded by the current storm. Any deep persistent slab avalanches that occur could be very large, long running, and destructive.

Regions covered