Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago.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

MODERATE avalanche danger will continue in above treeline terrain due to wind slabs.  LOW avalanche danger will exist in near and below treeline terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Lingering wind slabs and newly forming wind slabs could exist in above treeline terrain on most aspects due to recent shifts in wind directions.  Yesterday, winds shifted to the NE and increased in speed to the moderate to strong range overnight.  With snow available for transport, these winds will transport snow in above treeline terrain to form wind slabs on S-SW-W aspects.  Snow transport is expected to be limited to the higher elevations and the most exposed terrain due to the forecasted NE wind speeds.

    Look for blowing snow, new cornice formation, and wind pillows.  Large fragile cornices may still exist along ridgelines that have been built out during the last storm system.  These NE winds may further scour exposed areas down to previous firm rain crusts.

Avalanche Discussion

* Wind scouring and newly formed wind slabs were seen throughout the forecast region.  Fragile cornices and reactive wind slabs on test slopes were reported in some areas, with other areas reporting limited signs of instabilities.

* A large and accidental cornice failure occurred in the Ward Canyon area yesterday.  The cornice failure was on a SE/E aspect and triggered 6 feet away.

* Firm rain crusts have been exposed by recent wind scouring.  On Red Lake Peak (Carson Pass area) rain crusts were observed up to at least 9500'

 

Regions covered