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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Out of date — this forecast expired 8 years ago. You’re viewing past conditions, not the current bulletin.

Highlights

The avalanche danger will quickly increase to MODERATE at all elevations as the day warms up. Loose wet avalanche problems will be possible today.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1

    Strong spring sunshine and warm daytime temperatures will quickly melt through last night's weak refreeze allowing loose wet avalanche activity to become possible again today. Sun-exposed E-SE-S-SW-W aspects hold the best potential for loose wet avalanche activity, but some loose wet instability could also form on more northerly aspects where wet surface snow exists. Wet snow instabilities could include pinwheels, rollerballs, and loose wet avalanches. Some of the loose wet avalanches could involve enough snow to bury or injure a person.

    Wet sticky snow, boot-top-deep wet snow, active roller balls or pinwheels, and other loose wet avalanches can indicate increasing wet snow instability.  Once signs of wet snow exist, move to a colder more shaded aspect or lower angle slopes.

Avalanche Discussion

* Yesterday ski and snowboard cuts triggered loose wet instabilities including pinwheels, roller balls, and small loose wet sluffs on sun-exposed slopes (including NE aspects) on Flagpole Peak (Echo Summit area) and Jake's Peak (near Emerald Bay) starting between 9 and 10 am. 

* Wet sticky snow existed on all aspects including northerly aspects on Jake's Peak and Flagpole Peak by 10 am.

* A natural loose wet avalanche with enough debris to injure a person occurred on Jake's Peak on March 27.

Regions covered