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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Low Avalanche Danger is expected throughout the forecast region today.  Normal caution is advised. 

Avalanche problems

  • Cornices

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    0

    Hard wind slabs exist in near and above treeline terrain due to the recent winds.  These wind slabs have shown limited signs of instability and should be small in size and not extend very far downslope.  The shallowly buried 12/4 surface hoar layer has shown little reactivity up to this point, with it lacking a problematic slab on top.  Many obstacles still exist with early season conditions present.  Normal caution is advised.

    Practice safe travel protocols;  have a travel plan for the day, travel through avalanche terrain one at a time, regroup out of avalanche terrain, and practice effective communication within your group.

Avalanche Discussion

*  Observations from Mt. Houghton (Mt. Rose area) and Elephants Hump (Carson Pass area) showed widespread hard wind slabs that formed from the recent winds in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  These wind slabs did show some cracking, but instabilities were limited at both locations.

*  The 12/4 buried surface hoar layer has been found in some areas of the forecast region.  In most places, it is shallowly buried lacking a problematic slab, with little signs of reactivity at this point.  The preservation of this layer and distribution varies by location.

*  Hard wind slabs exist in most wind exposed near and above treeline terrain.  Unconsolidated snow is limited to northerly protected below treeline terrain.

*  Sufficient snow coverage exists along the Sierra Crest above 7000-7500'.  East of the Crest, snow coverage decreases with some areas still having adequate snow coverage for recreation.  Early season conditions exist in most areas.

Regions covered