Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

While blowing snow may be present today, significant avalanche activity should remain unlikely since old snow should remain frozen and new snow accumulation should remain limited. Variable firm snow conditions and gale force NE winds represent the main challenges for backcountry travelers today. LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Gale force NE winds and cold temperatures across the area will leave hard icy surfaces on many slopes in the backcountry today. Arresting a fall on these firm surfaces would be difficult. Small amounts of new snow may result in "dust on crust" conditions in a few areas by this afternoon.

    With little to no snow forecasted for most areas today, avalanche problems should remain unlikely. In areas that do receive new snow, plumes of blowing snow may exist along ridgelines. However, any fresh snowdrifts that form should remain small in size and limited in distribution. If more snow falls than forecast, then some more problematic wind slabs may form in the most heavily wind-loaded areas on NW-W-SW-S-SE aspects.

    Travel using normal caution in the backcountry today. Make a travel plan that provides appropriate safety margins to account for potentially firm and challenging conditions.

Avalanche Discussion

* Recent observations have shown spring-like melt-freeze conditions on sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects across the forecast area. These aspects should remain frozen and firm today.

* More shaded NW-N-NE aspects hold a mix of wind-scoured surfaces, breakable crusts, and some dust on crust conditions. Observers have reported weak snow near the surface crusts but no slabs exist above that weak snow nor are any large loading events forecasted in the near future.

Regions covered