Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago.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

LOW avalanche danger exists at all elevations. Continue to use normal caution while traveling in the backcountry.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Less cloud cover last night and cooler temperatures should have allowed a stronger overnight refreeze. Firm snow surfaces exist in most places including frozen sun crusts on solar aspects, icy rain crusts on wind-scoured slopes, and uneven firm wind textures on exposed slopes. In the areas that receive direct sun today, some of the frozen surfaces may soften; in areas where cloud cover obscures the sun, the snow surfaces may remain firm and frozen. Some minor wet snow instabilities may form on slopes that experience enough warming. While avalanche activity remains unlikely, the firm surfaces could make travel challenging and allow for other hazards including long sliding falls.

    Consider your partners while making backcountry travel plans and tailor those plans to match the skills and goals of your group. Maintain awareness of the changing conditions and terrain as you travel. Stop regularly to check-in with each other and make sure everyone is comfortable with the current conditions and terrain selections. 

Avalanche Discussion

* Observations on Slide Mountain yesterday found soft wet snow on top of a supportable crust between 9600 and 8200 ft. on S-SE aspects by mid-morning. Northerly aspects held a mix of scoured surfaces on exposed slopes, small patches of colder soft snow on shaded and sheltered slopes, and widespread wet sticky snow. 

* Observations from around the forecast area this week have shown variable snow surfaces with a strong snowpack below the surface. 

Regions covered