Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Moderate avalanche danger will exist today as additional snow accumulates with strong to gale force winds.  Human triggered avalanches are possible.  Wind slabs will be possible in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  Storm slabs will be possible in near treeline and below treeline terrain in areas that receive the most storm snow.  Evaluate snow and terrain carefully, identify and avoid features of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Human triggered wind slabs will be possible today on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain as additional snow and gale force SW winds continue.  As winds become W today, wind slabs will also become possible on S aspects in near treeline and above treeline terrain.  These wind slabs will continue to grow throughout today and could be capable of producing size D2 avalanches.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows as clues to where wind loading is occurring.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain and runout zones below steep wind loaded terrain.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Storm slabs will become possible on all aspects in near treeline and below treeline terrain in areas that receive the most snow today.  The new storm snow could have trouble bonding to the old snow surface which could consist of near surface facets, surface hoar, or firm crusts.  This is not expected to be a widespread avalanche problem, but in areas that receive the most storm snow size D2 avalanches could be possible.

    Look for signs of cohesion within the new snow.  Simple hand pits can help you see how the new snow is bonding to the old snow surface.  

Avalanche Discussion

-Small loose dry avalanche reported on Mt. Houghton

-A usable snowpack exists mainly above 8000', with some snow down to 7500'.

-Near surface facets on most NW-N-NE aspects throughout the forecast area.

-Surface hoar reported throughout area, some evidence of it being destroyed by wind and sun.

-A cohesive and strong snowpack exists below the 11/26 rain crust throughout the forecast region.

Regions covered