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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

LOW avalanche danger will exist this morning while the snow surface remains frozen and firm. As the day warms up and the frozen snow starts to soften and melt, the avalanche danger may increase to MODERATE. Some loose wet avalanche problems could become possible if enough daytime warming occurs. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    A strong refreeze over the past few days has left a thick frozen crust on the snow surface. In some areas, there may not be enough warming today to melt all the way through this crust. In other places, enough warming may occur for some loose wet snow instabilities to become possible. Most of these should remain small. However, if the surface crust does melt, larger loose wet avalanches that could entrain the wet snow below crust may become possible. Expect more potential for larger loose wet avalanches tomorrow since more dramatic warming is forecasted. 

    Maintain awareness of conditions and terrain by looking for signs of warming snow. Step off your equipment to see if the melt/freeze crust remains supportable. If it is not and you sink into wet snow or you start to see roller balls or pinwheels, it is time to call it a day or move to low angle slopes. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations on Blackwood Ridge yesterday found a thick frozen crust on all aspects that did not show signs of melting. In some sheltered areas, a thin dusting of new snow existed on top of the crust. In exposed areas, the snow surface was icy and firm. No signs of snowpack instability were observed. 

Regions covered