Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger continues in near treeline and above treeline terrain due to old and new wind slabs. LOW avalanche danger exists in wind protected areas below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    New wind slabs on top of old wind slabs on top of weak, sometimes faceted older snow. Not a great setup. New snow with wind last night and various periods of blowing snow this past week created this stack of wind slabs. The most problematic areas are near and above treeline terrain on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. Avalanche size up to D2 (large enough to bury or injure a person) is possible.

    Slope scale stability assessments could be a little tricky today with the stack of wind slabs. Simple informal new snow observations may not tell the whole story. There will be acceptable options and poor options for travel in avalanche terrain today.  Make sure your route plan includes options. If you want to try to avoid this avalanche problem and find the highest snow quality, go for wind protected areas below treeline.

Avalanche Discussion

* Wind slabs that formed during various wind events this past week, mainly last Friday and Tuesday, sit on top of weak, sometimes faceted snow.

* Unconsolidated snow existed on the surface in shaded, wind protected areas prior to last night's snowfall.

* Reported wind slab avalanche activity this past week tallies at 5 human triggered and 9 natural avalanches, most of which occurred Tuesday and Wednesday.

Regions covered