Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Out of date — this forecast expired 6 months ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

Slabs of wind blown snow could still be triggered today in wind exposed areas below ridges, in gully features, and on open slopes.  Sluffs may also be triggered on steep slopes.  Make a travel plan that avoids areas where unstable snow and the potential for avalanches may exist.  

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Slabs of wind blown snow have formed in near and above treeline areas.  New cornices, wind pillows, and snow surface clues may help identify where these wind slabs have formed.   Snow surface cracking and/or dense snow over less dense snow may indicate unstable wind slab.  Make a plan to avoid areas where unstable wind slabs may exist.

    Wind slabs formed yesterday with new snow and increased winds.  These wind slabs have formed on top of a variety of snow surfaces including crusts and sugary near surface facets.  As these slabs consolidate and gain more strength, wind slab avalanches could continue to be triggered today on these previous old snow surfaces.  Greater hazard will exist near and above 8000' where the most storm snow fell.  

    (2/11/2026)

    A cornice kick triggered this avalanche on a wind loaded East aspect.  Crown 1' deep.

    Red Lake Peak, Carson Pass area.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5

    The recent storm snow has had problems bonding to the old snow surfaces in wind protected areas.  Sluffing could continue to occur on steep slopes running long distances.  Sluffs today will be small in size, but could take a user over rocks, cliffs, or other terrain traps if triggered. 

    (2/11/2026)

    A ski cut at the top of this N-NE facing slope @7300 ft triggered a D1 loose snow avalanche that slid into the gully 100 ft below. It entrained the new snow and slid on the crust. The new snow was not quite dry and not quite wet. 

    Silver Peak

    Photo: Sierra Avalanche Center

Avalanche Discussion

Recent storm snow has been deposited on top of a variety of snow surfaces.  On NW-N-NE aspects, near surface facets formed on wind protected slopes during our prolonged dry spell and are now buried under the recent storm snow.  Previous recent rain events have formed a thin surface rain crust on top of this near surface facet layer up to around 8800'.  A weak snowpack structure exists where these near surface facets can be found and will be a concern for future storm loading events. 

Lower elevations and sun exposed slopes have experienced significant snow cover loss over the last 2-3 weeks with areas of dirt, rock, and down trees exposed.  Recent storm snow will be covering up some of these hazards and obstacles.  Deep open holes, open creeks, and ponded water are widespread in low lying areas, especially below 8,000'. 

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