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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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 to exist in near and above treeline terrain due to a wind slab avalanche problem.  Low avalanche danger will exist in below treeline terrain.  Human triggered wind slab avalanches remain possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Wind slabs will continue to exist in near and above treeline areas on all aspects.  Winds have been strong in speed from the SW, then shifted to the NE for most of yesterday, and have shifted back to the SW today before our next storm approaches late tonight.  Wind scoured surfaces exist on many aspects alongside existing dense wind slabs.  These existing wind slabs will remain suspect today as they slowly gain strength.  Blowing snow will occur later today as SW winds increase in speed creating new fragile wind slabs.

    Look for recent avalanches, shooting cracks, cornices above slopes, blowing snow, or other wind created surface textures to identify where wind slabs may exist.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

* A wind slab avalanche was reported from the South Side of Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) on a cross loaded gully feature.  It is unknown if the avalanche was remotely triggered or occurred naturally.  It was on a SW aspect, approximately 100' wide, and 18'' deep.

* Skier triggered shooting cracks in wind loaded terrain were observed on Castle Peak (Donner Summit area) and Grouse Rock (Ward Canyon area).

* Strong NE winds were seen throughout the forecast area in near and above treeline terrain.  Snow transport along with wind effected snow was also experienced in some below treeline terrain.

* Reports of natural wind slab avalanches that occurred during or immediately after the storm on Monday from Elephants Back (Carson Pass area) and Grouse Rock (Ward Canyon area).

Regions covered