Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
View on map

Avalanche danger

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Out of date — this forecast expired 5 years ago.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

Highlights

Lingering unstable areas where wind drifted snow has deposited as slabs (wind slabs) remain possible today in a variety of locations above treeline and near treeline. MODERATE avalanche danger exists above treeline and near treeline with LOW avalanche danger below treeline.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Ridgetop winds have been shifting back and forth from SW to NE to SW and areas of snow on the ground have remained available for drifting. A patchy mix of wind scoured areas and drift deposited wind slabs exists on all aspects in above treeline and near treeline terrain. Avalanche size up to D2 remains possible. This avalanche problem is a little less likely today than over the past two days, but lingering instability remains a concern.

    Use clues such as recent avalanches, blowing snow, cornice formations, wind pillows, and textured snow surfaces to identify specific areas where unstable wind slabs may exist. Move around these areas with caution.

Avalanche Discussion

* Areas of blowing snow were observed yesterday along ridgelines under NE wind conditions.

* A skier triggered wind slab avalanche was reported yesterday morning from the N aspect Broncho Chutes area on Relay Peak (Mount Rose area).

* Unstable snowpit test results were noted yesterday in the upper snowpack on a graupel layer near Indian Valley, just north of Ebbetts Pass. Numerous snowmobile tracks placed in avalanche terrain in this area yesterday did not trigger avalanches. This layer did not appear to be present in the vicinity of the recent wind slab avalanches on Red Lake Peak near Carson Pass.

* Snow surface warming and roller balls were observed yesterday on some E-SE-S-SW-W aspects, especially in areas protected from yesterday's NE winds.

* Cloud cover, SW wind, and an approaching cold front are expected to prevent a wet loose avalanche problem from occurring today.

Regions covered