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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger should remain LOW today on all aspects and elevations. LOW danger does not mean no danger and unlikely does not mean impossible. Some small, shallow, isolated areas of unstable snow could linger on isolated terrain features in the form of small wind slabs or loose snow sluffs. Continue to practice safe travel habits and thoughtful decision making when traveling in the backcountry.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Even though some signs of instability exist involving Tuesday's new snow, the meager amounts of new snow, the scouring caused by yesterday's E and NE winds, and the isolated nature of the instabilities mean that significant avalanche activity will remain unlikely today. Unlikely does not mean impossible. Some small, shallow, and scarce wind slabs may still linger on isolated terrain features in areas that typically experience the most wind loading but did not get scoured yesterday especially in areas south of Highway 50 where more snow fell. These should not extend very far down slope nor should they be very deep or widespread. Additionally some minor sluffing involving the new snow may continue to occur on steep slopes, but these sluffs should remain small and isolated. Overall these small, isolated, and unlikely issues should not pose much hazard to backcountry travelers unless they occur in areas that magnify the consequences of any size avalanche or where any stumble or fall can have serious consequences. These kind of places include steep couliors, slopes above cliffs, and other complex or extreme terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday observations in the Elephant's Back area near Carson Pass showed 2-3 inches of soft light snow resting on top of frozen crusts in most areas. Moderate east and northeast winds scoured the above treeline east and northeast aspects, re-exposing the frozen crusts in those areas. Most data indicated that Tuesday's light snow had bonded well to the old snow surfaces and that it exhibited few slab characteristics. Some small isolated wind slabs up to 6 inches in depth that only extended 1-3 ft down slope did exist on some small isolated terrain features. Some of these minor wind slabs fractured under the weight of a skier, and others did not. In non-wind affected areas, ski cuts on some steep test slopes did trigger minor sluffs that involved the 2-3 inches of soft snow above the crusts. 

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