Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

New snow and wind will combine to form locally deeper slabs of wind deposited snow as the day progresses. Move carefully around areas where wind drifted snow fills in, mainly on slopes below or adjacent to cornice features. Dry loose avalanches could become a concern later today below treeline if new snow amounts approach 6+ inches. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    SW winds will blow and drift snow, filling it in along the downwind side of ridgetops and into gully features. Cohesive slabs of wind drifted snow are expected to become deeper and more extensive as the day progresses. Given the projected 2 to 6 inch snowfall amounts for today's storm, these wind slabs are expected to form mainly in areas below or adjacent to cornice features.

    Use clues such as active blowing snow and old cornices to identify the most likely locations to encounter an unstable wind slab today. Move around these areas with caution.

    (2/14/2025)

    A classic example of a cornice area where an unstable wind slab is possible today. Donner Summit area, CA

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1–1.5

    New snow is depositing on top of firm melt-freeze crust in the vast majority of wind protected areas. In the low likelihood scenario that today's new snow amounts approach the high end possibility of 6+ inches, dry loose avalanches could be triggered by backcountry travelers on steep wind protected slopes.

    When new snow deposits on top of firm crust, it is often the case that the most enjoyable travel conditions are found on low angle slopes. Specific to today's conditions, you can both reduce your exposure to avalanches and find the best travel conditions by selecting low angle slopes.

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