Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Additional snowfall and increasing winds will allow for wind drifted snow to accumulate in near and above treeline areas.  Use caution near or below slopes that have blowing snow or cornice features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2

    Additional snow today along with increasing SW winds will create new wind slabs in near and above treeline areas.  4 to 8 inches of new snow expected with previous snow available for wind transport will lead to blowing and drifting snow from the strong SW winds.  Areas that receive the higher end of forecasted snow amounts today in wind prone terrain will be the most likely for wind slab avalanches to occur.

    Identify where blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows are developing.  Wind scouring along ridgelines and snow surface cracking in wind deposited terrain may also help show where wind slabs are forming.  Wind sheltered below treeline terrain will offer the best snow quality away from this avalanche problem.  Moving up into near and above treeline areas will have more blowing snow and potential wind slabs.

Avalanche Discussion

* Limited plowed trailhead access is reported around the forecast region with decreased observations and data from some areas.

* The recent storm snow continues to settle and gain strength

Regions covered