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Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago.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

Highlights

This morning the avalanche danger will remain LOW for all aspects and elevations. As new snow and wind impact the region this afternoon and evening, the avalanche danger will quickly rise to MODERATE on wind-loaded NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects steeper than 35 degrees in near and above treeline terrain. Human-triggered avalanches could become possible this afternoon and evening.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2

    As new snow starts to fall this afternoon, new wind slabs will form quickly on the leeward aspects in near and above treeline terrain. Due to intense snowfall rates and strong winds, these new wind slabs will likely build faster than the bonds between the new snow layers can form. Human-triggered wind slab avalanches will become possible this afternoon and evening. Any avalanches that result from these wind slabs should start out small, but will grow larger as new snow accumulates this afternoon and evening. These winds slabs should only involve the new snow, and avalanches breaking into the old snow will remain unlikely.

Avalanche Discussion

Yesterday observations on Red Lake Peak and on Tamarack Peak both indicated that the snowpack continues to consolidate and settle. Data indicates that the current snowpack is in good shape to handle the additional new load expected in the next 24 hrs.

Surface conditions in these two areas yesterday ranged from firm supportable crusts to breakable crusts to wet, sticky unsupportable snow to some areas of corn-like conditions.

Regions covered