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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Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger exists on slopes steeper than 35 degrees on near and above treeline NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects due newly formed wind slabs. Most wind slabs will exist along the Sierra Crest above 7500 ft. where more snow accumulated. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, and identify areas where avalanche problems exist. The avalanche danger will increase quickly as more snow and wind impact the region starting this evening with wind slabs and storm slabs becoming more problematic during the storm. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    Yesterday's new snow and wind created wind slabs on the wind loaded N-NE-E and cross loaded NW and SE aspects. Human triggered wind slab avalanches involving these wind slabs will remain possible today. Additional snow and wind today will mean that these wind slabs will continue to grow. The largest and most problematic wind slabs should remained confined to the Sierra Crest on wind loaded aspects above 7500 ft. where more snow instead of rain accumulated over the last 24 hours. Some smaller more isolated wind slabs may form in other areas as snowfall becomes more widespread today. Wind slabs as well as storm slabs will become much more widespread and problematic as more snow and wind impact the forecast area starting this evening. 

    Identify and avoid steep wind loaded slopes.  Look for areas of blowing snow, cornice formation, wind scouring, and wind pillows to help determine where wind slabs exist.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday observations on Incline Lake Peak in the Mt. Rose area showed a thin layer of graupel resting on top of a breakable crust on all aspects. Observations did not reveal any signs of instability in the existing snowpack in this area. Across the Lake on Scout Peak near Echo Summit new heavy wet snow accumulated above a breakable crust with wet snow below it in areas above 7800 ft. Below that elevation the snow surface remained wet and the precipitation fell as a mix of rain and snow. Some human triggered pinwheels did occur in this area. A report came in from the Blue Lakes area south of Carson Pass that snowmobilers saw several avalanches but could not gather more details due to a lack of visibility and deteriorating conditions.

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