Avalanche forecast

Central Sierra Nevada

Sierra Avalanche Center
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Avalanche danger

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

Continued strong SW winds have formed additional slabs of wind-blown snow at all elevations.  These wind slabs will be reactive today with human triggered avalanches likely.  Look for where unstable snow exists and move around these areas of concern.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

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

    Extreme SW winds yesterday drifted snow and formed another round of reactive wind slabs.  Intense blowing snow formed these wind slabs in above, near, and even below treeline areas.  Wind scoured and textured snow surfaces exist in most open areas at all elevations from the winds yesterday.  Dense hard wind slabs were found at upper elevations.  SW winds today will decrease in speed somewhat, but will still be gale force with gusts upwards of 70mph along upper ridges.  Along with some additional new snow for wind transport, wind slabs are expected to be reactive today. 

    Look for blowing snow, new cornice development, and snow surface scouring as clues to where these wind slabs exist or are forming.  Better snow quality will be found in wind protected lower elevation terrain.  Large cornices that built out during the storm may still be fragile today.  Avoid steep wind loaded terrain or areas below large cornices.

    (3/4/2024)

    Recent small wind slab avalanche observed.  Spooner Summit area.

Regions covered