Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Moderate Avalanche Danger will continue today due to a wind slab avalanche problem as gale force winds with the possibility of light snow returns to our forecast area.  Wind slab avalanches will continue to be possible in near and above treeline terrain.  Low Avalanche Danger will exist in below treeline terrain.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Stubborn wind slabs that formed on Tuesday may be able to be triggered in isolated areas on N-NE-E aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  SW winds increased last evening to the strong to gale force range and are forecasted to continue today and into Friday.  While the amount of available snow for wind transport has declined, gale force winds today will move whatever snow is left and create a new round of wind slabs on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Light precipitation is possible this evening which will further add to the wind slab development.

    Look for blowing snow and cornice formation-not all areas may have the same amount of wind transport occurring today.  Wind protected, below treeline terrain, continues to provide the best recreational opportunities away from the wind effected snow.

       

Avalanche Discussion

*  A difficult to trigger wind slab avalanche was intentionally triggered on a test slope near Ellis Peak (Blackwood Canyon area) yesterday.  This small avalanche was in near treeline terrain on a NE aspect.  It showed similar characteristics to recent wind slab avalanches from the last 2 days.

*  Signs of wind slab formation from Rubicon Peak (West Shore area) and Little Round Top (Carson Pass area) from yesterday. 

 

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