Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Out of date — this forecast expired 7 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

MODERATE avalanche danger will exist in near and above treeline areas due to wind slabs.  LOW avalanche danger will continue in below treeline areas.  Human triggered avalanches are possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Winds increased yesterday afternoon and shifted to the SW.  Winds will continue today in the strong to gale force range.  New wind slabs are expected to form in near and above treeline areas today.  Soft snow along ridges with the expected couple inches of new snow today, will be available for snow transport.

    Blowing snow and new cornice formation will be clues to where new wind slabs are forming.  Many of these wind slabs could have hard slab characteristics.  Good snow quality continues to exist in wind protected below treeline terrain.

Avalanche Discussion

* Hard wind slabs up to 1' deep were seen in wind loaded terrain on Silver Peak (Pole Creek area).  Surface hoar and near surface facets were found in open below treeline areas (7000-8000'). 

* Wind scoured and textured snow surfaces were seen on multiple aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Good snow quality existed in wind protected below treeline terrain.

Regions covered