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 exists on all aspects near treeline and above treeline due to existing wind slabs and new wind slab development due to shifting winds.  Low avalanche danger exists on all aspects below treeline.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Winds slabs will remain possible today on SE-S-SW-W aspects near treeline and above treeline from yesterdays NE wind event.  Wind have shifted to the SW-W last night and are in the moderate to strong range.  Newly formed wind slabs will be possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects near treeline and above treeline.  In near and above treeline terrain a mix of scoured snow surfaces and wind slabs will likely coexist on all aspects.  Look for wind scouring, cornice formation, wind pillows and snow surface clues to help identify suspect slopes. 

    Areas of exposed rain crust on the snow surface are likely on windward aspects above treeline. The potential exists for long sliding falls with very difficult self arrest conditions.

Avalanche Discussion

2 separate human triggered wind slab avalanches were reported from the Mt. Rose area yesterday.  On the East Ridge of Relay Peak, 9500', E/NE aspect, a dense wind slab with a crown line up to 12'' deep was skier triggered in an open area near treeline.  This avalanche was reported to be 100' wide and ran 150' downslope.  West of Incline Lake Peak on a S/SE aspect, 37 degree slope, a wind slab was boarder triggered.  Avalanche was 35' wide and ran 125' downslope with an 8'' crown.

Other observations from Tamarack Peak (Mt. Rose area) and Carpenter Peak (Independence Lake area) also showed large amounts of wind transport.  Stiff wind slabs were observed on SE-S-SW-W aspects near and above treeline from the NE wind event.  These areas hold up to 1-2' of available snow for transport as the winds change direction.  Exposed terrain to the NE winds were typically scoured down to the previous rain crust, dense wind effect, or breakable crust.  Protected areas below treeline provided unconsolidated snow with good travel conditions.

 

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