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 due to wind slab and loose wet avalanche problems.  Wind slabs continue to exist on steep slopes in near treeline and above treeline terrain with new wind slab formation expected late this afternoon.  Loose wet avalanche activity will be possible at all elevations as rapid warming and/or rain occur today.  Human triggered avalanches remain possible. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs continue to remain possible on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain on slopes steeper than 35 degrees.  Rapid warming today due to solar radiation or rain could make these wind slabs more sensitive to human triggering.  As the next storm approaches this afternoon/evening, new wind slabs will form from new snow with strong to gale force SW winds.

    Avoid steep wind loaded slopes and areas below cornices.  As new snow begins to accumulate this afternoon, look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows.  Make a plan to avoid slopes that are being actively wind loaded. 

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches will be possible today due to rapid warming on E-SE-S-SW-W aspects at all elevations and on NW-N-NE aspects below treeline.  Some areas may experience rapid warming due to solar radiation, especially during the morning hours in areas away from the Sierra Crest.  Areas near the Sierra Crest up to 8000', have the possibility of light rain ahead of the next storm system.  Rain on top of the recent storm snow could cause widespread loose wet avalanche activity.

    If the snow surface becomes wet, it is time to switch aspects to colder snow or leave the area.  Loose wet avalanches large enough to injure or bury a backcountry user are possible.  Terrain traps, such as gullies, can magnify the consequences of even a small loose wet avalanche.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Mt. Tallac (Desolation Wilderness area), Negro Canyon (Donner Summit area), Talking Mountain (Echo Summit area), and Silver Peak (Pole Creek area).  A skier was caught in an avalanche on Mt. Tallac yesterday.  Information from the reporting party indicated that it was most likely a wind slab avalanche that received significant warming due to solar radiation.  The avalanche took the skier 800' downslope with minor injuries and broken gear reported.  Rapid warming and loose wet avalanches were reported from most of the forecast area although conditions ranged greatly depending on cloud cover. 

Regions covered