Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 13 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger is LOW for all elevations and aspects. Isolated areas of lingering unstable wind slab may remain above treeline on N-NE aspects in complex or extreme terrain. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2

    Isolated areas of lingering unstable wind slab may remain above treeline on N-NE aspects in complex or extreme terrain including unsupported slopes above cliff bands. Existing wind slabs up to 1 to 2 feet thick have been observed above treeline in areas of previous wind loading. Variable rates of stabilization have occurred over the past two days. Human triggered avalanches are unlikely but not impossible at this time. Exercise normal caution and accepted best practice backcountry travel techniques in order to minimize risk.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) and on Maggies Peak (Desolation Wilderness area) gave indications of stable snowpack conditions. Areas of lingering wind slab were shallower, smaller, and more stable than what was observed over the past few days in the Carson Pass area. Melt-freeze conditions were widespread on all aspects below 7,800'. At 8,100 to 8,200', previous deeper wet layers were in variable states of refreeze ranging from high density ice to unfrozen wet layers. Any relative weak layers in the snowpack were unreactive in snowpit tests.

Regions covered