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

Partly frozen snow this morning will quickly turn into deep wet mush as the day warms up. Avalanches of wet loose snow will be possible on steep slopes. Once the snow becomes wet and unsupportable, it is time to move away from slopes steep enough to avalanche.

This is the last forecast for the 2022-2023 season. The observation platform will remain active for people to share snow, weather, and avalanche observations with the community. Thanks to everyone who supported the Sierra Avalanche Center this season by submitting observations, assisting with education, volunteering, and/or donating.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Mostly clear skies during the night should have allowed a thin surface refreeze on some open slopes. Other areas may have stayed soft in forested areas or places with some overnight cloud cover due to above-freezing temperatures last night. Daytime warming should melt through the superficial refreeze and expose deep, wet snow, even though slightly cooler temperatures and some increased clouds may delay today's melting by a little bit. Wet loose avalanches will be possible as soon as the thin refreeze melts. These avalanches can gather more snow as they move, making larger avalanches possible on long steep slopes. 

    Expect a short window that closes early for supportable melt-freeze conditions despite the slightly cooler temperatures. Deep, soft, wet snow could exist on many slopes once the sun hits them. As soon as you start sinking through the surface crust into wet snow or see any signs of unstable wet snow like rollerballs or pinwheels, it's time to move onto low-angle slopes without steep slopes above them.

    (4/29/2023)

    Ski cuts triggered small D1 wet loose avalanches on steep test slopes in Johnson Canyon.

    Photo: SAC

Avalanche Discussion

  • Cornice collapses continue to occur due to the warm weather. Minimize exposure time on slopes below cornices or avoid them altogether. While on the ridgetops, keep exposed rocks or trees between you and the cornice edge whenever possible.
  • Glide cracks have also opened up on some steep slopes in rocky areas. The exact timing of glide crack avalanches is notoriously difficult to predict. Due to the uncertainty, consider avoiding travel on or below slopes with glide cracks.

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