Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

CONSIDERABLE avalanche danger will exist today due to wind slab and storm slab avalanche problems.  Human triggered avalanches are likely today with natural triggered avalanches possible.  Dangerous avalanche conditions exist.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2

    Strong SW winds throughout the storm have created large wind slabs on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects in near and above treeline terrain.  Wind slabs will continue to build today with additional snow and strong winds.  Wind slabs will become possible on other aspects as winds shift to the NW and NE today and tonight.  Natural avalanches remain possible with human triggered wind slab avalanches likely.  These wind slab avalanches could run long distances into below treeline terrain.

    Look for blowing snow, cornice formation, and wind pillows.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain and runout zones below wind loaded slopes and large cornices.     

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Storm slab avalanches will remain possible on all aspects in wind protected near and below treeline terrain.  Variations within the storm have deposited several different layers within the recent storm snow.  Continued cold temperatures will slow down the settlement process and may allow for storm slab instabilities to be problematic today.    

    Look for cracking and/or any signs of cohesion of the recent storm snow.  In areas where storm slabs do not exist, loose dry sluffing may be encountered on steep slopes.  Some of these loose dry avalanches could be large enough to take a backcountry user for a ride into potential hazards or obstacles.  

Avalanche Discussion

*  A small storm slab avalanche was reported on Incline Lake Peak (Mt. Rose area).  8800' on a NE aspect.

*  Shooting cracks along with active wind slab development was observed near the top of Rubicon Peak (West Shore area).

*  Widespread intense snow transport was observed throughout the forecast region by the recent SW winds.  Heavy snowfall rates up to 4''/hour were also observed.  Storm depths have been reported from 3 to 5' of snow above 7000'.  A variety of precipitation particles were seen including large amounts of graupel.

 

 

Regions covered