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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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will continue today due to a loose wet avalanche problem at all elevations.  Wind slabs have become unlikely but not impossible today in isolated areas in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Identify areas of unstable snow and avoid specific terrain features. 

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    As daytime warming occurs today, loose wet avalanches will become possible on all aspects and elevations.  An additional 5 to 10 degrees of warming today with decreasing winds will make loose wet activity more widespread.  Roller balls and pinwheels are expected on all aspects, with the possibility of larger loose wet avalanches that could injure or bury an backcountry user-size D2.

    As the surface snow in your area becomes wet and heavy, it's time to change aspects or move on.  Roller balls will be an indication that the surface snow is loosing strength and that larger loose wet avalanches could occur.

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs have become unlikely but not impossible on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  NE winds are forecasted to decrease over the next couple days into the light to moderate range.  Small wind slabs could still exist in steep complex terrain features and have either soft or hard slab characteristics.

    Look for signs of past blowing snow, snow surface clues, cornice formation, or wind pillows.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations from yesterday on Mt. Tallac (Desolation Wilderness) showed a developing loose wet avalanche problem.  NE winds were keeping it cool above 9000' with wet snow on all aspects below 8000'.  Roller balls and larger loose wet avalanches were observed in steep sun exposed terrain.  New wind slab development was limited in this area. 

* A widespread deep slab avalanche cycle occurred during the March 20 - 22 storm cycle on N-NE-E aspects both above and below treeline in the 7,000' to 10,000' elevation range throughout the forecast region. No reports of post storm deep slab avalanches have been received.  Check out the observation page for more details and photos. 

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