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 exists at all elevations due to a combination of wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems. Human triggered avalanches are possible today. Natural avalanches are unlikely but not impossible in isolated areas. Identify and avoid slopes where wind slab or loose wet avalanche problems may exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    New wind slabs formed last night and are expected to gain some additional size with snow showers today. Wind slab avalanche problems are expected above 7,500' today in near and above treeline terrain. The vast majority of wind slabs will be found on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Expected size ranges from very small to large enough to bury or injure a person, especially if cliffs or terrain traps are involved.

    Identify and avoid areas of recently wind drifted snow, most likely found below or adjacent to cornice features or wind pillows.  

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Widespread areas of surface wet snow will be found on all aspects below 8,000' from start to finish today. This surface wet snow was created by snow surface melt yesterday and rain to 7,500' last night. Rain to 8,000' today will keep surface wet snow ongoing. Loose wet avalanche problems are expected today on all aspects. The vast majority of instability is expected to be found below 8,000', but could exist at higher elevations in isolated areas. Expected size ranges from small to large enough to bury a person.

    Avoid travel on or below steep slopes where a few inches or more of surface wet snow exist.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Rubicon Peak (West Shore Tahoe area) and on Powderhouse Peak (Luther Pass area) found unstable wet snow. On Rubicon Peak, signs of loose wet avalanche problems had formed on E aspects around 9,000' by late morning. On Powderhouse Peak, signs of loose wet avalanche problems were noted to spread to shaded NE aspects during the early afternoon hours.

Regions covered