Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanche danger will vary widely across the forecast area today reflecting the 1 to 18 inches of new snow accumulation from the past 24 hours. Unstable slabs of wind drifted snow near ridgelines and rapid warming on sun exposed slopes will shape the avalanche concerns for today. Travel with increased caution, especially around sun exposed slopes below cornice features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    Depending on where you are within the forecast area today, newly formed slabs of wind drifted snow could range from rather small to rather large in lee areas near ridgelines. If you are encountering more than a couple of inches of new snow in the general area, anticipate the presence of wind slabs above treeline and near treeline on NW-N-NE-E-SE aspects. These wind slabs could have greater instability on sun exposed slopes, potentially becoming more unstable as the day progresses.

    Look for and identify the locations of potentially unstable wind slabs today. Use clues such as new cornice formations, wind drifts, snow surface texture, and snow surface cracking to help identify the areas of concern. Move cautiously around these areas of concern, especially in sun exposed locations.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2

    As the sun comes out today and air temperatures climb above freezing, rapid warming of new snow may create unstable conditions. The sun angle is high enough this time of year to affect all aspects. Keep in mind that conditions on sun exposed slopes will likely become more unstable as the day progresses. Roller balls and pinwheels are some of the first indications of developing wet snow instability and the potential for wet loose avalanches. Travel cautiously and consider reducing exposure to avalanche terrain where signs of wet snow instability are present.

Avalanche Discussion

  • Many NW-N-NE-E aspects have good snow coverage. Large areas of bare ground or very limited snow cover existed on most SE-S-SW-W aspects prior to this week. Those previously bare slopes now have thin snow cover.
  • Barely covered obstacles and hazards including exposed rocks, dirt, bushes, down trees, branches, open water, and open creeks exist on many slopes.

Regions covered