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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Some minor amounts of drifting snow may occur today.  Small avalanches remain unlikely but are not impossible in isolated areas where drifting snow deposits. Regional scale LOW avalanche danger exists for all elevations.

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    1

    Ridgetop winds are gale force out of the E. The existing snowpack has already been through a few other similar E wind events so only minor amounts of blowing and drifting snow are expected today. Any areas where drifting snow is deposited will likely be too small to create problematic wind slabs. The exception could be encountered in chute/couloir/gully/cliff style terrain where a tiny wind slab that knocks you off your feet results in a tumble into the rocks. If you encounter blowing snow that is drifting into confined terrain, evaluate the downslope terrain hazards carefully. 

    The more widespread hazard today is the shallow snowpack which has an increasing number of rocks, logs, and other obstacles emerging from or residing just below the snow surface. Slow down and travel with caution. It's looking like storms may return to the forecast area in a week or so, so don't get hurt now.

Avalanche Discussion

* For the most part, a usable 1-2 foot deep supportable snowpack exists along the Sierra Crest above 7000' in the northern portion of the forecast area, above 8000' in the southern portion of the forecast area, and above 8600' in the Mt. Rose area. Variable snow surface conditions exist just about everywhere.

* Northerly aspects at and below treeline hold the most snow. The faceting process continues on these northerly aspects with clear skies, long nights, and low sun angles. Weak loose grain faceted snow is most apparent in the upper snowpack on wind protected NW-N-NE aspects. With the potential for storms on the horizon, this weak snow is becoming increasingly concerning.

* Expect wind scoured areas and/or bare ground in open near and above treeline terrain.

* Southerly aspects are a mix of bare ground and melt-freeze snow depending on wind protection.

Regions covered