Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger continues for all elevations within the forecast area. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    No specific avalanche problems of concern exist within the forecast area at this time. Normal caution is advised.

    Recent areas of blowing snow have produced only tiny superficial wind slabs near and above treeline. All observed wind slabs have been too small to present a significant hazard to backcountry travelers. Warming air temperatures today may allow for some snow surface melt, but loose wet avalanche problems are very unlikely.

    Firm wind scoured surfaces and crusts exist in most near and above treeline areas and could pose a travel hazard in steep terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations made over the past two days on Ellis Peak (Blackwood Canyon area) and on Meiss Ridge (Carson Pass area) showed very minor recent wind transport of snow and no problematic wind slab development.  Snow surfaces ranged from firm crusts in wind and/or sun exposed areas to soft snow in shaded wind protected areas.

* Recent strong winds have scoured most near and above treeline terrain along the Sierra Crest down to firm crusts.

* Thin snow cover conditions exist throughout the forecast area on all aspects at lower elevations. Thin snow cover or bare ground exists on most sun exposed aspects at all elevations with a few notable exceptions.

Regions covered