Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

High Avalanche Danger will exist at all elevations due to the strong atmospheric river storm impacting our area.  Wind slab, storm slab, and loose wet avalanche problems will be very likely at all elevations.  Natural and human triggered avalanches are expected.  Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  An avalanche warning has been issued until 7am Tuesday morning. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Gale force SW winds will impact the forecast area throughout the day with large amounts of new snow possible at higher elevations.  Wind slabs are expected to be very likely and could be natural or human triggered.  These wind slabs will form above the rain level, which could vary throughout the day, but should be near 7000-7500'.  Most wind slabs will form on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain but could also form on other aspects and below treeline.  Large cornice formation is expected.  Travel in or around avalanche terrain is not recommended.  Avoid avalanche run out zones.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2

    Storm slabs will be very likely today due to heavy new snow and varying temperatures throughout the storm.  These storm slabs will exist on all aspects in near treeline and below treeline terrain.  An upside down storm snow structure will be possible as snow levels fluctuate throughout the storm.  These storm slabs could be dry or wet depending on elevation and varying snow levels.

    Travel in or around avalanche terrain is not recommended.  Avoid avalanche run out zones.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1

    Loose wet avalanches are very likely on all aspects in below treeline and near treeline terrain.  Most loose wet activity will occur below or near the snow level where heavy rain is falling on new or existing snow.  Natural loose wet activity is expected and could be anything from roller balls to much larger avalanches with severe consequences.  Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended.  Avoid avalanche terrain and avalanche run out zones. 

Avalanche Discussion

Observations were made and received from Mt. Tallac (Desolation Wilderness area), Angora and Talking Mountains (Echo Summit area), Andesite Peak (Donner Summit area), Carpenter Peak (Independence Lake area), Stevens Peak (Carson Pass area), and Shirley Canyon (Squaw Valley area).  Human triggered avalanches were reported on Angora Peak, Talking Mountain, and Stevens Peak.  Most of these avalanches were newly forming wind slabs but some were storm slabs that formed lower down in more protected terrain.  All areas had strong SW winds with blowing snow and wind slab development in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Wet snow existed below 7500' with some minor loose wet activity observed.    

Regions covered