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 exist due to a wind slab avalanche problem in near and above treeline areas.  LOW avalanche danger will exist in below treeline areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Small wind slab development will continue on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline areas.  Light snow fell overnight with additional snow expected today and tonight along with continuing strong to gale force SW winds.   Most wind slabs are expected to be small, size D1, with isolated size D2 wind slab avalanches possible in areas that receive the most additional storm snow today and tonight.  Small reactive wind slab avalanches have been reported over the past few days throughout the forecast region.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillow development.  Small avalanches could have consequences from secondary terrain hazards, such as being pushed into rocks, trees, cliffs, or terrain traps.   

Avalanche Discussion

*  A small skier triggered D1 wind slab avalanche was reported from Mt. Judah (Donner Summit area) yesterday.  The avalanche was 30' wide and ran for 100' downslope.  The wind slab failed on the old firm melt freeze crust. 

*  Observations were received from Elephants Hump, (Carson Pass area) yesterday.  Strong SW winds were transporting light amounts of snow in wind exposed areas and creating small wind slabs.  Snow surface softening was limited due to the high winds and light cloud cover.

Regions covered