Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 4 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

A strong winter storm will bring snow and wind to the forecast area today creating dangerous avalanche conditions.  Blowing snow will create cohesive slabs of wind deposited snow and rapid snow loading could produce storm slab instabilities.  Conservative terrain choices and decision making are advised.  On top of avalanche concerns, possible lightning strikes and new snow covering up a variety of obstacles due to low snowpack conditions will be other hazards potentially causing dangerous travel issues. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Gale force SW winds and new snow will create wind slabs on NW-N-NE-E aspects in near and above treeline areas.  Wind slabs will form quickly this morning as snowfall intensifies and winds further increase.  Natural and human triggered wind slab avalanches are expected today.

    Look for blowing snow, cornince formation, wind pillows, and snow surface cracking in wind exposed areas.  Avoid traveling on or below steep wind loaded avalanche terrain.  Make sure you and your group have a plan to manage these avalanche problems and hazards expected for today.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Storm snow amounts are forecasted to be up to and may exceed 12'' of new snow today.  This rapid loading due to the convective nature of this storm, along with potential instabilities within the new storm snow could create storm slab avalanches.  Storm slabs should be limited to W-NW-N-NE-E aspects in near and below treeline areas where previous snow cover exists with SE-S-SW aspects being dirt/rock with little to no snow coverage. 

    Look for cracking or signs of cohesion within the new storm snow.  Choose and manage terrain that is appropriate for today's avalanche danger.  Don't let the limited available terrain due to snow coverage push you into steeper avalanche terrain. 

Avalanche Discussion

  • Snowmelt continues on all aspects around the forecast area, especially below 7,000' to 7,500'. Many NW-N-NE-E aspects still have decent snow coverage. Large areas of bare ground or very limited snow cover exist on most SE-S-SW-W aspects.
  • A variety of obstacles and hazards exist with the low snowpack including: exposed rocks, dirt, bushes, down trees, branches, open water, firm crusts, running creeks, etc.

Regions covered