Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Out of date — this forecast expired last year. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Sunny skies, warm temperatures, and lighter winds will continue for today.  Wet snow will develop on sun exposed slopes as daytime warming occurs with the potential for small wet loose instabilities to form.  Use caution if traveling on steeper terrain where wet snow exists.      

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    Temperature inversions have overnight low temperatures up to the mid to high 30's above 7500' with winds shifting to the northeast and becoming light.  Clear skies overnight have provided radiational cooling of the snow surface with a modest snow surface refreeze expected this morning.  This refreeze may not be as strong as yesterday, with more supportable snow surface conditions expected in the morning hours.  Once the surface melt-freeze crust melts away, deeper wet snow and transitional snow could become unsupportable. 

    Roller balls and pinwheels will be indicators that wet unstable snow is forming.  Wet loose avalanches have been limited over the last several days and small in size-this is expected to continue for today.  If the snow becomes deep and wet, it will be time to move to a different aspect or move away from avalanche terrain.   Use caution if traveling in steeper terrain where small wet loose avalanches could take you into terrain traps such as rocks, trees, or over cliffs.        

    2/25/2025

    Boot top penetration on South aspect below 8000 feet early in the afternoon.   Red Lake Peak, Carson Pass area.

    Photo: SAC

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