Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
No rating
Treeline
No rating
Below
No rating
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Early season conditions update #2

The stage is set for the approaching storm system. At this time avalanche risk within the forecast area remains minimal. Avalanche danger will begin to increase following the onset of new snowfall Tuesday afternoon/evening. The first full avalanche forecast for this season is planned for Wednesday morning (Nov 27 at 7 am).

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    0

    Traditional avalanche start zones along ridge tops remain heavily wind scoured with mostly bare ground showing, even in the areas favored by the Nov 19-20 snowfall. A light dusting of up to an inch or so of snow exists in some of these areas but is not problematic. Along the eastern edge of the forecast area from the Mount Rose Hwy down to Jobs/Freel Peaks, Two to five inches of faceted snow is on the ground in the more wind protected areas at and below treeline on N-NE aspects. There is a small chance that this old snow on the ground could play into instability once buried by the upcoming storm. Until the onset of the upcoming storm, avalanche hazard remains minimal.

Avalanche Discussion

The observations listed below from Barker Pass and Round Top (Carson Pass) are indicative of most of the Sierra Crest portion of the forecast area. The observations from Tamarack Peak and Incline Lake Peak in the Mount Rose area indicate some of the changes in the snowpack along the Carson Range that have occurred over the past 5 days.

Regions covered