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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Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Air temperatures last night were conducive to a strong snow surface refreeze. Rapid warming is expected today, leading to the potential for wet loose avalanches. It is time to exit avalanche terrain once you can sink boot top deep into wet snow or when wet snow becomes unsupportable.

This is the last avalanche forecast for this season.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    For the second night in a row, below freezing air temperatures and clear skies are expected to have contributed to a strong snow surface refreeze. Continued NE winds early this morning will delay snow surface melt in wind exposed areas. Rapid warming this morning will lead to snow surface melt in wind protected areas, spreading to all areas once the winds become light in speed and shift direction.

    As the day progresses, the surface crust from last night will melt enough to allow for wet loose avalanches. It is time to exit avalanche terrain once you can sink boot top deep into wet snow or when wet snow becomes unsupportable.

    Cornices that exist along ridgelines may still collapse unexpectedly in isolated areas.

    (4/15/2025)

    Debris from a recent wet loose avalanche in Cathedral Bowl on Mt. Tallac. It looked like enough debris to injure/partially bury a person. 

Avalanche Discussion

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the avalanche center this season through observations, volunteer time, public support, and/or financial contributions.

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