Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Open full map
Out of date — this forecast expired 12 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Avalanche danger remains LOW for all elevations and aspects. Very isolated pockets of small shallow wind slab may be found in near and above treeline terrain. Normal caution is advised.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Isolated pockets of small and shallow newly formed wind slab exist in near and above treeline terrain on SE-S-SW-W-NW aspects. For the most part, these slabs are not large enough to present a hazard to backcountry travelers. Somewhere within the forecast area, a wind slab large enough to push or carry a person is possible, but the odds of finding such a slab are very low due to extremely limited distribution.

Avalanche Discussion

Observations made yesterday on Incline Lake Peak (Mount Rose area) and on Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area) revealed 1 to 3 inches of new snow. Much stronger NE winds were observed in the Mount Rose area than in the Carson Pass area. While areas of blowing snow were noted, especially on Incline Lake Peak, subsequent drifts and wind slabs were minimal. Isolated wind pillows up to 6 inches deep were observed in wind loaded areas. These deposits did not extend very far down slope with any significant depth. While bonding at the old/new snow interface was poor in many areas, slab size was not large enough to present a hazard to backcountry travelers.

Regions covered