Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 2 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Snowpack coverage varies based on elevation and location.  Unstable snow and weak snowpack structure continue in isolated areas of the forecast region.  LOW avalanche danger exists with avalanches unlikely today.  

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1.5–2.5

    Weak faceted snow near the base of the snowpack that formed earlier this season can still be observed on NW-N-NE-E aspects above around 8000 to 8500'.  In most areas, this weak layer has gained strength since our last storm cycle with no avalanches reported in over a week.  Signs of instability have not been observed and unstable snowpack tests are becoming more limited.  With that said, a shallow early season snowpack is highly variable and can look much different from location to location throughout our forecast region.    

    Use best practice travel protocols with your group while traveling through avalanche terrain.  Only expose 1 person in avalanche terrain at a time, and regroup in safe zones well away from avalanche terrain.  Maintain safety margins even while avalanches remain unlikely.      

    Tamarack Peak (11/30/2024) Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Regions covered