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Out of date — this forecast expired 9 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low avalanche danger continues throughout the forecast region.  Normal caution is advised.  Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features at all elevations .

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Snowpack tests continue to point to isolated areas of instabilities throughout the forecast region.  Hard wind slabs on top of weak faceted snow remain a concern in near and above treeline terrain on NW-N-NE aspects.  Below treeline on NW-N-NE aspects, soft slabs on top of weak faceted snow have been observed on the southern half of the forecast area.  Our shallow and variable snowpack continues to weaken and facet with the current weather of mostly clear skies and no additional storms. 

    Strong to gale force NE winds will continue to transport minor amounts of snow today before decreasing in speed later this afternoon.  With limited amounts of snow available for transport, wind slab development is expected to be small.

    Firm and variable snow surfaces exist in most areas near and above treeline.  Use normal caution when traveling in or near avalanche terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

* Snowpack tests continue to point to isolated areas of instabilities throughout the forecast region.  Hard wind slabs over weak faceted snow in near treeline and above treeline terrain and soft slabs over weak faceted snow in below treeline terrain.

* Widespread firm, wind scoured snow surfaces exist on most aspects near and above treeline.

* Variable snow surfaces with some areas of softer snow exist near and below treeline in shaded, wind protected areas.

* Areas north of Emerald Bay above 8,000', hold decent snow coverage. Below 8,000' snow coverage remains patchy and shallow. South of Emerald Bay, less snow exists with areas below 8,500' holding very little snow.

* Snow coverage on southerly aspects has decreased due to melt throughout the forecast area.

Regions covered